SOS! Save Our Standon

SOS! Save Our Standon

Standon Calling festival needs YOUR help. Due to the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic we’ve made the heartbreaking decision to postpone until 2021. The challenge for our live music, events and festival industry is that we won’t bounce back and start making money as soon as social distancing measures are lifted.

However it’s not all doom and gloom! In order to raise funds in the wake of 2020’s postponement, we are offering some innovative new rewards and festival experiences that have never been available in the history of Standon Calling.

This year was due to be our 15th anniversary. While we’ve had to put the celebrations on ice, we’re determined to make 2021 the most special Standon Calling yet. After all, we’re going to need to come together and enjoy ourselves once we’re through the other side of this.

The festival has overcome obstacles over the last 15 years, however we’ve never experienced anything as testing as this. We’re kindly asking everyone to come together and donate what you can to support the future of Standon Calling. 

What's in it for you?

We are offering brand new rewards and experiences that we've never offered before. How about an exclusive VIP treehouse for you and your mates at the main stage for the whole weekend? Or have your face immortalised in our 2021 Line Up poster artwork? Or invest your drinks money now for a 50% bar credit boost at 2021’s festival? That's £150 worth of drinks for £100!

We’ve pulled together a variety of enticing and unique rewards. We'll be releasing more rewards as the project develops. We hope there is something for everyone, to encourage as many people to support us as possible.

 There are two options on offer:

• Choose your preferred experience or reward from the list on the right hand side. Each reward will also come with an eco friendly SOS! pin badge to wear with pride
• Alternatively, you can make a donation of any amount to protect the future of Standon Calling 

We cannot express how grateful we are for any support received and for thank you all in advance for playing your part in guaranteeing many more special festival’s to come. 

Why are we crowdfunding?

Standon Calling is an independent festival. It is a labour of love that happens once a year and any profits are reinvested back into future festivals. As a result, we don’t have cash reserves to fall back on. But with our loyal and supportive audience, we believe that we can collectively secure the future of Standon Calling.

With the 2020 festival unable to go ahead, our usual revenue streams which we’re reliant upon are gone - things like the festival bars, food traders and other onsite income. This paired with 2020’s sunk and non-recoupable costs - our marketing, office rent and staff payroll - leaves us in a financially vulnerable position.

Many of you have kindly rolled over your 2020 tickets to 2021 for which we cannot thank you enough. So where has the 2020 ticket money gone? The short answer is that most of it is tied up in supplier deposits that have already been paid. Requesting these funds back could result in putting key suppliers out of business. As you can see, this leaves us in a bit of a pickle! But not one that we can’t get out of with your help.

If you’re able to support us, you can personally take credit for securing the long term survival of Standon Calling and all the wonderful experiences that come with it. 

A bit more about Standon Calling 

Since Standon Calling started 15 years ago, it has grown from its humble birthday BBQ beginnings, to a 17,000 capacity festival. All the while, retaining its independence and magic. 

Set in the idyllic Hertfordshire countryside, Standon Calling boasts stellar line ups that showcase a mix of genres, legends and the very best in emerging talent. With an abundance of family activities, there’s something for everyone at Standon. You can take a dip in the swimming pool, be charmed by the annual dog show and show off your creative flair in a bid to win the coveted fancy dress prize. Not to mention top notch comedy, incredible food, dancing until the early hours, our wild wellbeing area, inspiring talks and workshops. 

We are very proud of our wonderful, loyal audience and staff who come back to party and work hard, year-after-year. We love inviting new faces to discover the fun and we’ve got the friendliest festival crowd in the land. Each year we aim to make Standon better than the last. We do our utmost to listen and take on board your feedback. 

We genuinely feel that Standon Calling is built on the collective kindness and good times shared amongst the festival community. The festival has a positive impact economically and culturally that ripples throughout Hertfordshire and beyond. 

We hope that you can see how important it is to ensure this incredible festival can be enjoyed for many years to come.