Standon Calling has officially become the first major UK festival to have an over-50% female or non-binary line-up. Coming about after they signed up to the PRS Foundation’s Keychange initiative back in 2018, which sought to help balance the gender-gap in music festivals, Standon Calling has evidently followed through with it. This year, 54% of their line-up is reportedly female or non-binary identifying, a reported 9% increase from last year.
Other festivals who are committed to this goal include the Marsden Jazz Festival and True North Music’s Americana, Country and Roots festival. Some of the headlining artists this year include Anne-Marie, Self Esteem and Annie Mac. They’ve got all-female/non-binary line-ups for Friday and Sunday concerts in their Cowshead and Laundry Meadows venues, which is a first for Standon Calling.
KEYCHANGE CONGRATS
We would like to show some love again to our signatories for continuing to proactively championing women and gender minorities. @MarsdenJazz, @TrueNorthGigs and @StandonCalling have all recently met their gender balance pledge targets! pic.twitter.com/vu7BrMjlVb— Keychange (@KeychangeEU) March 17, 2022
Some of the other acts involved include India Jordan, Logic1000 and Elkka. Among the men playing at the festival are eighties ska-band Madness (who are the opening act on the first night) and UK hip-hop artist Loyle Carner. Scottish rock band Primal Scream will also be taking centre stage at some point.
Their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed either. Keychange Project Manager Francine Gorman had this to say: “Standon Calling are setting a great example to the global festival community …. By demonstrating that gender representative line ups can be achieved, and by giving under-represented artists their rightful space on a prominent festival stage, we hope that others will be encouraged to follow suit and to take positive action towards achieving gender equality throughout the music industry.”
The festival’s founder, Alex Trenchard, noted that “Our lineups are stronger and more diverse than ever. We’re delighted to be leading the way amongst the industry, showing that gender balance in festivals in 2022 is both possible and a key component of curating an exciting line up.”
In for its 16th year, Standon Calling seems stronger than ever. Despite starting out as a birthday barbecue for Trenchard, it’s come a long way since those humble beginnings. Happening in Hertfordshire by the village of Standon, it will take place on the weekend of July 21st – 24th. Attendees can look forward to a whole plethora of interesting activities, ranging from a swimming pool/hot-tub to a ‘Who Let the Dogs Out?’ fancy-dress parade, as well as a dog show, so there should be something for everyone whilst you’re there. Tickets are available here and include Thursday Day and Weekend Camping options.
