Houghton set for 2020 Return

Following the cancellation of this years festival the team behind the event have announced that they will be back next year. Houghton was set to take place at Houghton Hall in Norfolk in August but was cancelled as a result of high winds and adverse weather conditions making it unsafe for attendees and staff. 

An announcement from the team indicates that priority will be given to ticket holders ahead of the general sale later this year: 

"Priority will be given to this year's ticket holders, via private pre-sale ticket links. These will be sent to everyone who had a ticket for this year's show via email on Wednesday 9th October and will go live at midday. The repurchase of allocated tickets will only be possible through these links. The links will be valid for one month only. After this period tickets will go on general sale."

Craig Richards has issued the following statement: 

"As you are all painfully aware, on the morning of Thursday 8th August 2019 we were forced to bow to mother nature in the face of an unusually vicious storm. This year was to be the third in Houghton's powerful and already well defined history. The strength of spirit created by the festival cancellation was a symbolic reminder of the integrity and resilience that exists within the electronic music community. Given the unprecedented circumstances we had no alternative but to stop the event ahead of the impending storm. Safety and wellbeing are of utmost importance, there is no justification for risking human life. The festival simply could not happen…… Obviously, the consequences were devastating for all concerned. Our greatest fear, given the unpredictability of British weather was that having cancelled the event the storm would not strike as predicted. Such was not the case as the storm was far stronger than predicted, with ferocious winds realising incredibly dangerous speeds. 

An enormous amount of work goes into the creation of Houghton. After many months of planning, preparation and subsequently building, the festival site was presented in all it's glory. Suffice to say dismantling it immediately after building it was indeed surreal. That said we are confident that the decisions made at a time of extreme challenge were utterly correct. We take great pride in our reputation and have made every effort to recover swiftly and with dignity. Understandably, the aftermath has been extremely complicated but by navigating the cancellation process thoroughly and in a professional manner. 

We feel this extraordinary debacle has now reached a satisfactory conclusion and are delighted to announce that the festival will take place next summer. 

There are already high levels of anticipation for next year's celebration. Until then excitement must be held in suspension. The degree of dedication and loyalty shown toward such a young festival is truly heartwarming. That ten thousand people had enough faith in us to buy a ticket without any information of the artists performing is evidence that we are trusted in what we do. The fact that people are willing to travel from the furthest parts of the globe to spend a weekend in Norfolk is truly inspiring. There are already high levels of anticipation for next year's celebration, our collective excitement is held gently in suspension. With the benefit of a full dress rehearsal, we will return with an even greater sense of purpose. The spirit of Houghton is stronger than ever."

This year each guest was due to be given a book upon arrival. The book is a further collaboration between Houghton and Ransom Note, which showcases the creative values and personality behind the festival itself. The 147 page book features long form interviews,  illustrations, photography, think pieces, musical reflection and beyond. 

Whilst originally intended as a gift for attendees, with the help and cooperation of a network of independent record stores, all ticket holders can collect a copy of the annual in person for free by simply presenting proof of the original ticket purchased through Resident Advisor. This offer will last for a period of 2 weeks from today. Available from:  

Phonica – London 
Rye Wax – London 
Rubadub – Glasgow 
Tribe Records – Leeds
Piccadilly Records- Manchester 
Cafe Artum – Birmingham 
Idle Hands – Bristol 
The Love Inn – Bristol
Forever Records – Nottingham
Rough Trade – Nottingham
Contemporary – Nottingham 
Montana – Nottingham

Grab a copy of the annual HERE.