Live Report: Houghton Festival 2024
Houghton Festival, founded by renowned Fabric resident DJ Craig Richards, has established itself as a premier event in the UK’s electronic music scene.
Set in the serene surroundings of Norfolk’s Houghton Hall, this unique festival is known for its commitment to 24-hour music, creating an immersive experience where time feels irrelevant. With its eclectic mix of genres, intimate stages, and an atmosphere that blurs the lines between day and night, Houghton offers a journey like no other for electronic music aficionados.
Clash headed to the festival to take it all in and experience it to it’s full potential.
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Friday
The weekend kicked off with Ghost delivering a high-energy day set at the Tantrum stage, renowned for its vibrant and fast-paced performances. Their blend of booming tech-house and signature house tracks set the tone perfectly, energising the fresh-faced crowd ready for the weekend ahead.
Later, Calibre took over the Pavilion stage, a hidden gem nestled deep within the forest. The setting, while enchanting, isn’t for the faint-hearted—dust clouds necessitated bandanas and face masks. Calibre started with his staple dub offerings before transitioning into a more Liquid Drum & Bass-focused second half. The devoted fans were easy to spot, front and center, while others indulged in a casual game of Connect 4, because why not?
The Earthling stage, a fan favorite, saw Berlin’s Sugar Free bringing her wavy, punchy tunes to an ever-growing crowd. The 360-degree venue, surrounded by nature, created an immersive experience that resonated with festival-goers.
Joy Orbison’s set at the Derren Smart Stage was a must-see. With its DJ booth on one side and a stage for live acts on the other, this venue, with a nearby view of the lake, is as close to a “main stage” as Houghton gets. Joy O’s genre-blending set, which included a garage remix of Coki’s dubstep classic and a Baile Funk edit, kept the crowd on their toes. He wrapped up with his global hit ‘Flight FM,’ leaving everyone with smiles all around.
As dusk fell, a large crowd gathered again at the Earthling stage for Raresh, who delivered two hours of blissful house and techno. Voigtmann followed, successfully maintaining the high energy levels with his dynamic set, peaking with Rupert Ellis’s track ‘Sexy Back.’
As night turned back into day, a trip to the infamous Terminus Stage was essential. One of the festival’s two continuous 72-hour stages, Terminus is a rite of passage for electronic music lovers. Situated near the campsite, this massive pit in the forest offers some of the most innovative and obscure house and techno sounds. Once inside, it’s hard to leave, with the DJs pushing the crowd’s endurance to the limit with relentless, mind-bending beats.
From the first evening, it’s clear that Craig Richards knows how to put on a party, and Houghton Festival is a testament to that. The music never stops, offering a 24-hour experience where time dissolves, leaving you always wanting more.
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Saturday
One of the beauties of Houghton is that it’s a festival you can enjoy at your own pace. With 24 stages to explore, it’s easy to start your day later, letting the music guide your schedule as time becomes a mere construct.
While in recovery mode, there are plenty of places to unwind and enjoy the festival’s offerings beyond the dance floors. The Orchard, located near the pond, provides a peaceful retreat with yoga sessions and gong baths to soothe sore bodies. You can take a small train ride around the grounds or join a sculpture tour to explore the estate’s architecture.
Pearson Sound began the day with a more melodic set than expected, before diving into his signature sound in the second half. Fumiya Tanaka followed at the Pavilion stage, delivering flawless mixing that seamlessly blended minimal with speed garage slammers, pleasing the large crowd.
Mathew Johnson’s live set was a highlight, with his unique vocal additions creating an unforgettable experience. Later, Uruguayan native Omar took over the Derren Smart stage, leading the crowd on a journey through a heavy, techno-driven set.
At the Outburst Stage, deep within the forest, Ivan Smagghe—a true legend in the dance scene—delivered a seamless mix filled with heavy hitters and quality breaks. The forest’s intricate lighting played with the changing colors, adding to the immersive experience.
As the sun reached its peak, the Stallion stage, the second of the festival’s 72-hour stages, became the place to be. The small tent was packed, with people coming and going, but those who stayed were treated to another seamless mix from The Ghost, who closed Saturday with funky house tunes that left everyone buzzing.
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Sunday
Sunday at Houghton brings a different vibe—a slower, more relaxed atmosphere as the heat peaks and the weekend’s exhaustion sets in. Many spent the morning recovering by the lake or in their camps, preparing for the final day of festivities.
Reggie Watts brought much-needed energy to the Pinters Stage, tucked away in a corner of the festival. Known for its ambient and laid-back sets, the Pinters Stage was the perfect spot for Reggie’s vibrant and humorous performance. His impressive beatboxing and DIY tunes, paired with his witty banter, left the crowd in high spirits, ready for the final stretch.
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As the sun began to set, Moodymann took the reins at the Derren Smart stage, delivering a monumental selection of chilled house, Amapiano, and afro-house tracks. His interaction with the crowd and impeccable track selection set the perfect pace, with energy levels peaking during the last half-hour.
Palms Trax then took over the Earthling stage, bringing a fun and lively set that included unexpected edits of pop classics like Rihanna. The crowd, still buzzing with energy, welcomed the change in pace. Finally, Ricardo Villalobos closed the festival in true style, with his trademark warped and wonky tunes. His ability to tease tracks for over 10 minutes while seamlessly blending in the next kept the crowd engaged and left everyone in awe—a fitting end to a remarkable weekend.
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Houghton Festival 2024 was an unforgettable journey, where time truly felt suspended. From the high-energy sets that kept the crowd moving day and night to the serene moments of relaxation and reflection, Houghton offered a perfect balance of music, art, and community.
As the weekend came to a close, it was clear that Craig Richards and his team have once again delivered an experience that will be etched in the memories of all who attended. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a newcomer, Houghton Festival remains a must-visit on the electronic music calendar, promising an adventure like no other.
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Words: Joe Hale // @joesquestions
Photography: Khroma Collective // @khromacollective
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