Houghton Festival prioritizes quality drum and bass music.
Houghton Festival, located in Norfolk, has become a mecca for electronic dance music enthusiasts seeking a top-tier experience. Boasting 12 stages that host DJ sets non-stop, the festival places a strong emphasis on being fully present in the moment and ensuring a high-quality experience in every facet. Central to delivering this exceptional sonic experience are the d&b sound systems provided by Encore Pro Audio, a longtime rental partner for the event.
Since its inception in 2017, Houghton Festival has remained true to its core values of positivity, creativity, and excellence, so much so that Mixmag hailed it as a festival that the UK should indeed count itself fortunate to have. As the brainchild of Craig Richards, a creative genius who wears multiple hats as creative director, curator, artist, and DJ, the festival is a celebration of diverse forms of creativity. The festival’s collaboration with d&b partner Encore Pro Audio has been instrumental in upholding its commitment to delivering a top-notch sound experience across all its performance areas.
Focused on maintaining a balance between audience satisfaction and respecting its surroundings, Richards expressed the festival’s conscientious approach to noise control, emphasizing the importance of pleasing the audience while also being considerate of neighbors and ensuring compliance with existing regulations. The festival’s technical manager, Matt Smith, highlighted the evolution of their noise management strategies over the years, a process that involved fine-tuning designs based on predictions from d&b’s NoizCalc software and insights from acoustic consultant Gareth Hance.
The addition of d&b’s KSL system to the main Derren Smart Stage marked a turning point for Houghton Festival, elevating the sonic experience to new heights and significantly reducing noise-related complaints. Collaborative efforts with d&b’s Education & Application Support team and ongoing utilization of NoizCalc predictions have further enhanced the festival’s ability to deliver exceptional sound quality and minimize off-site noise disturbances.
A key aspect of the festival’s dedication to enhancing the overall experience is evident in the d&b Soundscape-equipped Warehouse stage. This unique setup, housed in a draped-off barn, offers artists the opportunity to explore a 360˚ Soundscape system, delighting attendees with an immersive audio experience. Encore’s Art Tonge noted that d&b’s SL-Series systems, including the KSL system for the Derren Smart Stage, have played a crucial role in maintaining control over noise emissions and ensuring high-quality sound delivery.
With a focus on providing a club-like environment rather than a generic festival experience, Houghton Festival continues to push boundaries by investing in cutting-edge sound technology and emphasizing quality in all aspects of its operations. Craig Richards expressed satisfaction with d&b’s ability to deliver a truthful and coherent sound representation across different musical genres, underscoring the festival’s commitment to providing a unique and immersive sonic experience that sets it apart from other events.