Snapped: Standon Calling

Somewhere just under an hour's drive north of London was the Town of Two Faces this weekend just gone. Little would you know it once you hit Standon - all gaping green fields and narrow, winding lanes. Reach Standon Lordship, though, and we were greeted with scenes resemblant of the Wild West: saloon bars, jails, a clock tower and whatever else you've seen on the set of Back To The Future III.

Ten years in and, once again, Standon Calling had the big names on board. Joining the likes of Shy FX, Public Enemy and Grandmaster Flash as those to have graced the festival, this year had BBC 6 Music selector Gilles Peterson, Roots Manuva, Little Dragon, Bondax, Hospital Records boss London Elektricity and Basement Jaxx on board.

It might have started out as a garden party, but that's a distant memory now as it runs for three days and nights. Not only does it stand out through its pick 'n' mix music booking - covering indie, drum 'n' bass, house, dub, reggae and loads more - but the theme and production is always spot on. Plus, where else in the country can you cram into a cowshed - where Gilles Peterson, Bondax, Maribou State, The 2 Bears and Horse Meat Disco played - and dance 'til the early morning? Didn't think so.

It's features like that which make it so attractive. Forget about huge stages - the main stage is pretty minor, really - and bank-breaking pyrotechnics. There's no need for them when everyone's bowling round with smiles on their faces, anyway. Same again next year, please.