Craig Richards’ Houghton Festival is gearing up to return to its home of Kings Lynn from August 8th-11th and with the official lineup finally announced we figured it was time to ‘av’ a dig and see what Houghton 2024 is saying…
The lure of Houghton Festival is a diverse and carefully curated lineup centred around underground music. The stages, strategically nestled amidst the natural beauty of Houghton Hall’s grounds, provide the perfect backdrop for both intimate sets and euphoric dance floor moments under the open skies across all 13 stages.
At its core, Houghton incorporates the spirit of inclusivity and cultural fusion. Attendees from diverse backgrounds converge to celebrate their shared passion for music and art in an atmosphere that fosters respect and mutual appreciation. On top of its musical programming, workshops and sessions provide opportunities for personal growth, whether that’s exploring the intricacies of music production, learning mindfulness practices or engaging in discussions on sustainability and environmental preservation. The festival’s commitment to sustainability is genuine, with initiatives aimed at reducing its ecological footprint and promoting responsible practices among attendees.
The 2024 lineup includes exciting debuts by artists such as Dopplereffekt, Mala, African Head Charge, Actress, Alabaster De Plume, Barker, Daniel Avery, Grace Sands, James Massiah, John Tejada with Reggie Watts, Or:la, Sherelle, Skee Mask, Serge (Clone), and more. Alongside these newcomers, the festival will also feature some familiar faces like Ricardo Villalobos, Actress (Live), Rhadoo, Sonja Moonear, Marie Davidson (Live), Ben U.F.O., Steffi, Terry Francis, tINI, Craig Richards, Mr. Scruff, Joy Orbison, Francesco Del Garda, Zip, Matthew Johnson (Live), Nicolas Lutz, and many others, so to make things a little easier to navigate, we’ve put together Broke Mag guide to all of the MUST SEE artists we’ll be lip wobblin’ and arse shakin’ to over the weekend…
THURSDAY
MUST SEE:
DR BANANA
Dr Banana is a dedicated UKG (UK Garage) enthusiast whose passion for the genre is evident in his deep knowledge and historical perspective. Based in Bristol, he not only DJs but also runs a label, where he curates and releases forgotten gems of UKG while pushing its boundaries with forward-thinking music. Known for his marathon sets, Dr Banana is a pivotal figure in keeping the UKG scene vibrant and evolving, making him a respected historian and tastemaker within the genre.
BEN UFO
One of the real DJs is Ben UFO. He spends time, energy and effort searching for new and vintage music that fits his vision of the audience for a radio show or dance floor. Ben’s ability to blend genres, tempos, eras and even opposing styles into an engrossing and fascinating whirlwind is arguably what makes him the most interesting.
ANNA WALL
DJ, radio host, label boss and music journalist Anna Wall is a master of all trades, running a record label from her home in East London and if the tunes are anything to go by her set will be something special.
CARLITA
Inspired by ’90s rock and Turkish psychedelia, the Turkish delight frequently collaborates with artists of various mediums such as Heron Preston, Raisa Vanessa, Detroit DJ Seth Troxler and more.
FRIDAY
MUST SEE:
HORSE MEAT DISCO
Horse Meat Disco describes itself as the “queer” party for everyone. Such a simple introduction has never fit an event more perfectly.
JOY ORBISON
Joy Orbison, one of the most well-known characters in the London club scene, is constantly praised for both his hypnotic DJ sets and his innovative creations. His compositions are extremely percussive that include elements of breakbeat hardcore, house, techno and garage.
HAMMISH AND TOBY
The boys have undoubtedly been rising lately; they have been playing at the most prestigious events and clubs in Europe and creating innovative lineups in the city. The appeal of Hamish and Toby is found in their upbeat shows, which include both more recent albums and genre-bending songs they’ve dusted off from earlier eras.
HAMMER
Hammer is well-known for his love of large, ecstatic melodies, vintage analogue synths and deep, rolling arps. He has headlined Belfast’s AVA Festival and performed at Love International, Panorama Bar, Glastonbury, Fabric and other clubs and festivals. Including collaborations with Bicep.
PALMS TRAX
Palms Trax is a Berlin-based DJ and producer known for his eclectic and vibrant electronic music style. His music is characterised by it’s warm, melodic and often nostalgic sound. He blends elements of Chicago house, Detroit techno and Italo disco, creating tracks that are both dancefloor-friendly and emotionally resonant.
SATURDAY
MUST SEE:
RICARDO VILLALOBOS
Villalobos is known for his marathon DJ sets, which often extend for several hours and showcase his ability to craft immersive, evolving musical journeys. He is a regular fixture at some of the world’s most prestigious clubs and festivals, including Berghain/Panorama Bar (Berlin), Fabric (London), Time Warp and Sunwaves.
MARIE DAVIDSON
Canadian artist known for he release Working Class Woman (2018) – Ninja Tune: Her breakthrough album, featuring the hit “Work It,” which mixes dark humor with sharp critiques of modern work culture.
MOODYMANN
Moodymann began his career in the early 1990s, emerging as part of the second wave of Detroit techno and house producers. He initially worked as a DJ and producer, releasing his music on small, independent labels. Particularly performs at the likes of Sonar and Dekmantel.
SUNDAY
MUST SEE:
SHERELLE
Sherelle’s career took off with her breakout Boiler Room set in 2019, which went viral and brought her significant attention. Her ability to seamlessly blend high-tempo tracks and her infectious energy behind the decks quickly established her as a rising star in the electronic music community.
ZIP
Zip maintains a low profile online, with a limited presence on social media. His focus remains on the music and the experience of his live performances rather than personal promotion which makes his sets even more special.
TINI
tINI is renowned for her dynamic and engaging DJ sets. She has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious clubs and festivals, including: DC10 (Ibiza), regular performer at the iconic club’s Circoloco nights, Fabric (London), Amnesia (Ibiza), Time Warp (Germany) and Sunwaves Festival (Romania).
CRAIG RICHARDS
Craig Richards is a British DJ, producer, and visual artist renowned for his influential role in the electronic music scene, particularly through his long-standing residency at Fabric in London. His deep knowledge of music, eclectic taste, and ability to craft immersive sets have made him a respected figure in the industry.
SAORISE
Saoirse moved to London to pursue a career in music, where she quickly became involved in the underground electronic music community. Saoirse is known for her eclectic and genre-defying sets, seamlessly blending house, techno, electro, breakbeat and ambient