Hold onto your hats, organisers have announced an almighty wave of artists set to play Standon Calling this year.

First up, St Alban’s locals, FRIENDLY FIRES return to Standon as our special guest this year. It’s been 10 years since they first graced the stage in 2009, blending tropical vibes and sizzling party sensibilities, they have become recognised as one of the best live bands on the planet. With two stunning albums catapulting the band to mammoth stages and unforgettable moments. After a hotly anticipated return last year with ‘Love Like Waves’ and ‘Heaven Let Me In’, FRIENDLY FIRES are once again set to claim their crown as an essential band for an entire generation (dancing moves and all).

Revered as a unique and creative powerhouse, RÓISÍN MURPHY has emerged as a true svengali of modern culture. First emerging as one-half of 90s favourites Moloko, Róisín has continued to innovate and create with her own take on experimental pop, scooping Mercury Prize nominations and acclaim across the board. As RÓISÍN MURPHY enters a bold new era, expect her appearance at Standon Calling to be a display of an artistic genius unlike any other.

Already packed with the best in thriving new music, the hotly-tipped MAHALIA will head to Hertfordshire this summer with her slick neo-soul meets R&B set to takeover in the months ahead. Guaranteed to be a moment to tell others about in the years to come, MAHALIA is on the cusp of superstardom. A multi-discipline collective that has emerged as one of the most influential new movements in British music, STEAM DOWN will bring a collective display to Standon Calling this summer – taking the feeling and jaw-dropping atmosphere of their Deptford residency shows for an incredible festival moment. Capturing the bursting world of modern jazz out of the heart of South London, their assortment of effortless artistry and grooves are bound to go down a storm when Standon Calling comes around.

Alongside a string of rising names including the sunshine glints of KAWALA, local songwriter EMMA MCGRATH returning after previous appearances on the BBC Introducing stage at the festival, fizzing Irish punks FANGCLUB, the raw and punchy BABEHEAVEN and folk wordsmith HATTIE WHITEHEAD – it ensures that a true mix of styles and flavours take pride of place at Standon Calling this year, with music discovery and a new favourite act around every corner.

Bringing the good-time vibes for a feel-good appearance at the festival this year is ‘The Undateables’ star DANIEL WAKEFORD, providing the ultimate festival set full of infectious fun with ‘The Daniel Wakeford Experience’ – while Russia’s SADO OPERA will be serving up their unmistakable live spectacle to the Standon Calling crowds with one of the most talked about shows in Europe. Making a name on the Berlin nightlife scene, their live shows bring an extravagant and eccentric party to the fore, fusing disco, electronica, funk and more together for a bold and unabashed set of unrestrained, gender-ambivalent love. 

A hallmark of any Standon Calling experience, the Cowshed will once again be rocking with the very best drum’n’bass beats as Hospitality bring a stunning lineup of mixing greats. The legendary DANNY BYRD will be rolling with the classics as he soundtracks an unstoppable night, with the likes of METRIK, FRED V, MAKOTO, HUGH HARDIE and LENS bringing the hits alongside MC CARASEL and RUTHLESS MC.

Combined with Standon Calling’s revered array of club night takeovers and party spinners once again taking the stage across the weekend – including the Groove Garden taking up a new home at the festival with CRAZY P SOUNDSYSTEM, LUKE SOLOMON, JUSTIN ROBERTSON, ELI ESCOBAR, RAY MANG and KID FIESTA confirmed today and CLUB DE FROMAGE, FEELING GLOOMY, BOWIE DISCO and PUMPERS all on board – the very best in club sights make Standon Calling the very definition of what a festival should be in 2019 from top to bottom.