King's Lynn, United Kingdom · 5-8 AUG 2027
Houghton Festival
A Craig Richards-curated festival of extended DJ sets and hidden stages in the grounds of Houghton Hall, Norfolk, running since 2017 and selling out quickly in recent years.
History
Houghton was conceived as a festival curated by one DJ. Craig Richards, long a resident at London's fabric, curated the first edition in August 2017 at Houghton Hall in Norfolk, with production handled by the team behind Gottwood. Richards described himself as more collector than curator and said artists were picked on merit. The inaugural lineup was Ricardo Villalobos, Nicolas Jaar, Seth Troxler, Floating Points, Andrew Weatherall and Ben UFO, with art installations including work by James Turrell, Richard Long and Rachel Whiteread. Move D closed the Quarry stage on opening night, and Roman Flügel closed the festival on the Sunday. The first edition also held a 24-hour licence, which set the tone: long sets, small rooms and very little hurry.
Weather and the pandemic interrupted the run. Houghton 2019 was cancelled in August 2019 because of an extreme weather warning, and the 2020 and 2021 editions did not go ahead because of Covid. It returned to the Hall from August 11 to 14, 2022, with ticket holders from the lost years able to roll their tickets over. Since then the programme has grown to close to 200 artists, built on extended sets, bespoke sound systems and the range Richards books, from techno and house to jazz, dub and live acts. Move D and Donato Dozzy were both on the 2023 lineup, Daniel Bell appeared on the 2025 bill, and Batu has been listed in 2023, 2025 and 2026.
The setting is a large part of the pitch. Houghton Hall is a Palladian country house commissioned in 1722 by Sir Robert Walpole, set in about 1,000 acres of parkland and still home to the Marquess of Cholmondeley. The festival uses a lake and woodland on the estate, with stages that the official site lists as The Earthling, Giant Steps, Outburst, The Warehouse, The Pavilion, Pinters, The Quarry, Stallions, Old Gramophone and Terminus, plus The Armadillo and The Orchard for talks and wellness. The 2026 edition ran from August 6 to 9, close to 200 artists strong, and sold out.
festival facts
- Founded: 2017, curated by Craig Richards and produced by the Gottwood team
- Venue: Houghton Hall, near King's Lynn, Norfolk; a roughly 1,000 acre estate with a lake and woodland
- Format: four-day outdoor festival with a dozen or more stages, extended DJ sets, live acts, sculpture garden tours and a wellness area; camping included in the general admission ticket
- Sound: d&b audiotechnik systems
- 2027 dates: August 5 to 8, 2027
Getting there and practical info
Houghton Hall (satnav postcode PE31 6TY) is half a mile off the A148 King's Lynn to Fakenham road, about 13 miles east of King's Lynn and 10 miles west of Fakenham.
- Train: the nearest station is King's Lynn, with direct services from London King's Cross. The Hall's own directions give a taxi time of about 25 minutes from the station.
- Bikes: the official site says there is a bike compound at both General Admission and Boutique camping. Bring your own lock.
- Camping: General Admission camping is included in the ticket, and toilets and showers are free of charge. Campers must leave on the Monday after the festival. Live-in vehicles need an additional pass.
- Age policy: a Challenge 25 policy applies, and anyone who appears under 25 must show photo ID.
- Tickets: not on sale yet for 2027, per the official FAQ. Past editions sold through Resident Advisor and have sold out quickly.
- Shuttles and gate times: the official site lists these as coming soon for 2027.
FAQ
When is Houghton Festival 2027?
Houghton 2027 takes place from August 5 to 8, 2027, according to the official site.
Where is Houghton Festival held?
At Houghton Hall, a country estate near King's Lynn in Norfolk, England.
How do I get to Houghton Festival?
The nearest train station is King's Lynn, about 13 miles from the Hall, with direct trains from London King's Cross. Official 2027 shuttle details have not been published yet.
Are tickets on sale for 2027?
Not yet, according to the official FAQ. Join the mailing list on the festival website for announcements.
Is camping included?
General Admission camping is included in the ticket price, with free toilets and showers. Live-in vehicles need an extra pass, and boutique camping options are listed in the accommodation section of the official site.
Who founded Houghton?
DJ Craig Richards curated the first edition in 2017, with production by the team behind Gottwood.
Who has played Houghton?
Past lineups include Ricardo Villalobos, Floating Points, Ben UFO, Move D, Donato Dozzy, Daniel Bell and Batu.
RTS.FM artists connected to this festival
Only sourced appearances at past editions or on announced lineups are listed.
More: 2027 festival calendar