There are plenty of day festivals still to come across the capital, but for North Londoners, Standon Calling is the dog and family friendly weekender within easiest reach.

Taking place in the gorgeous grounds of the private Hertfordshire estate, this year's festival runs from July 20-23 with accommodation options ranging from family camping, to the 'Lavish Lands' area, and boutique stays in bell tents.

Ham & High: The annual costume parade sees festival goers dressing up on a theme.The annual costume parade sees festival goers dressing up on a theme. (Image: Ania Shrimpton)

From top name acts to the popular annual costume parade (this year's theme is Strange Valley), not to mention the healing area and delicious street food, we round up five things to look forward to at Standon Calling which has been dubbed a 'gem of the UK festival scene.'

Catch Glastonbury hero Rick Astley alongside headliners Years&Years, Self Esteem and Bloc Party.

If you make it on Thursday evening you can also enjoy 80s hitmakers The Human League, but across the four days there's an ecclectic line-up across the stages including Django Django, Shygirl, Scouting for Girls and the 'Never Gonna Give You Up' legend who brought the house down at Worthy Farm.

Ham & High: Mark Watson, Reginald D Hunter and Lou Sanders are on the comedy bill at Standon Calling.Mark Watson, Reginald D Hunter and Lou Sanders are on the comedy bill at Standon Calling. (Image: Courtesy of Standon Calling)

Tickle your funnybone with Stand Up

Mark Watson, Reginald D Hunter, Rhys James, Kiri Pritchard-Mclean and Lou Sanders are among the comics lined up to perform with compere Josh Howie guiding proceedings on The Lawn Stage. As Reginald D Hunter says: "I'm proud to be associated with a festival that has Rick Astley on the bill."

Ham & High: Dick and Dom, an open air swimming pool, dog show and kids rave are on the programme to please the kids.Dick and Dom, an open air swimming pool, dog show and kids rave are on the programme to please the kids. (Image: Courtesy of Standon Calling)

The Kids are alright.

Standon is a genuinely welcoming festival for kids with an open air swimming pool, dog show, and costume parade plus acts such as Dick and Dom and The Flying Seagull Project, and activities ranging from a playzone, to kids rave and storytelling.

Ham & High: After the music finishes on the main stage the dancing continues with DJ sets in the dance sets from Faithless and Groove Armada among othersAfter the music finishes on the main stage the dancing continues with DJ sets in the dance sets from Faithless and Groove Armada among others (Image: Giulia/Standon Calling)

Dance the night away to DJ sets

Teens tend to love the big dance tents with sets this year from Katy B, Faithless, LF System and Groove Armada among others. For dad dancers and fun lovers, there are also party grooves courtesy of The Cuban Brothers, Club Fromage, Uncle Funk's Disco Inferno and Queer House Party.

Ham & High: Finn Foxell is a London artist appearing alongside other local talent on the BBC Introducing stageFinn Foxell is a London artist appearing alongside other local talent on the BBC Introducing stage (Image: Courtesy of Standon Calling)

Not forgetting up and coming local talent

The BBC Introducing stage will feature shows by fresh talent from the area including Wunderhorse, from Beds, Herts & Bucks, Amy Lauren and Leena Punks from Essex, and Finn Foxell, Eleni Drake, and Elodie from London. Standon Calling’s founding director Alex Trenchard said: "Supporting new artists and celebrating talent from the local areas has always been a big part of what Standon Calling is about. Having the likes of Tom Grennan, The Japanese House, Connie Constance, The Hunna and Ten Tonnes performing on our BBC Introducing stages in the past is a testament to the potential you’ll find on these lineups - and it’s always extra special to see acts grow and find themselves back at Standon on the main stage."