The Newcomers Guide to Houghton Festival 2025

After three stunning editions in a row, Houghton Festival returns to its home in the idyllic Norfolk countryside on 7th-10th August. Founded and curated by legendary Fabric resident DJ Craig Richards, the event is now in its ninth year and has grown to the forefront of the UK festival calendar. Known for being the only event on that calendar with a 24 hour license, Houghton offers a totally unique experience to revellers. In recent years its flagship electronic music programme has expanded, embracing Jazz and live bands, as well as incorporating a stage focussing on talks and interviews.

Across its nine year journey, Houghton has experienced a plethora of emotions. After three consecutive years of cancellations between 2019-2021 due to a mix of bad weather and the covid pandemic, their future was in doubt. The festival then made nationwide tabloid headlines in 2023 when Kate, the Princess of Wales was rumoured to have partied on site. Now, after rave reviews, this year the festival sold-out in record speed. Their story is one of resilience and have since gone on to grow something truly special.

2025’s edition will see many veterans of Houghton return, but for the thousands of first timers, wondering what they can expect? Well, there’s a lot. First of all, you’ll find the opportunity to get lost in some of the best music in the most beautiful setting. Set upon the 1,000-acre estate of the 18th century Houghton Hall, 12 stages are dotted in and around the forest. Each is uniquely designed, from the surrounding shipping containers of Tantrum, to the Pavillion stage which overlooks the picturesque lake, or the Warehouse stage – the only indoor space where the hard hitting techno and acid sounds are unleashed. Lest we not forget the infamous Terminus secret stage, where the music never stops and the artists playing aren’t revealed.

It’s this attention to detail that’s one of Houghton’s greatest strengths. Each stage offers sound curated by d&b audiotechnik which creates a floorless sonic experience. This year Craig Richards and the team have offered the most diverse music programme to date. With more debutants than ever before, including the likes of Aurora Halal, Jennifer Cardini, Marcel Dettman and Objekt. These exciting talents will feature alongside long term Houghton stalwarts Riccardo Villalobos, John Talabot and Ivan Smagghe. Expect sounds from all corners of the dance music spectrum, as well as a touch of ambience and jazz at the Pinters stage.

Away from the music, you’ll notice equal attention is paid to art and design across the site. From the serene sculpture gardens that attendees can take a tour of to on site commissions. This year Houghton brings the works of Chris Levine who will showcase three light installations.EBBA will also showcase ‘Pulse’, which is described as ‘meditative’ and designed to ‘mirror the rhythms of the forest’.

The festival also offers you the chance to engage in their wellness programme at the Orchard. Expect yoga sessions, gong baths and much more. There’s also a sauna on site, if you fancy stepping out of the chaos. These alternative options serve as a reminder that the weekend is a marathon, and not a sprint. A 24 hour programme offers so many possibilities, but it’s also overwhelming. Everyone wants to see everything but sometimes a tour around a sculpture garden or a few minutes in downward dog can help ground you and regroup for what else is to come.

Houghton stands alone on the festival calendar and has garnered many loyalists. The result is a feeling of community, with people smiling all around you on the dance floor. It’s a hedonistic playground that’s valued for its rarity. We can’t wait to see what surprises are set to come. See you in the forest!