The UK's first prime minister Sir Robert Walpole once lived there - but he was very much not a 24-hour party person.

But now the grounds of Houghton Hall in North Norfolk are to host the UK's only 24-hour music festival.

The Houghton Festival is the brainchild of DJ Craig Richards, who launched the event in 2017 when he was 50 and moving away from the hectic London music scene.

More than 200 artists will perform across 14 stages from Thursday to Sunday (August 8-11), with music playing somewhere on the Houghton Estate site at all times. 

The festival has gained traction among loyal followers of Mr Richards and lovers of underground music. 

Around 12,000 revellers from across the world are expected to attend - and last year Catherine, the Princess of Wales, was even said to have made a special appearance.

Festival creator Craig Richards (right) performing at Houghton 2023Festival creator Craig Richards (right) performing at Houghton 2023 (Image: Khroma Collective)

Away from the music is a floating restaurant situated on the picturesque lake within the centre of the site, a sauna and massage area, art tours, shops and an array of food stalls.

“Every festival makes its own journey,” says Mr Richards.

“Ours has been extraordinary and unique on so many levels.

"Two super years where we experienced a vision of the future and gained a loyal following. A subsequent three years of cancellations due to an unimaginable storm and Covid.

"We returned on a hot and dusty year, determined to re-engage with our audience and our statement.

"Every single step of the way we focused on belief and longevity. It made us stronger and more determined.

“Last year we felt that we came nearer to the festival we envisaged eight years ago while it was in its infancy. We are incredibly proud of our yearly gathering in Norfolk."

READ MORE: 'Simply magical' - Why Houghton Festival 2023 was a weekend to remember

Houghton Hall is an 18th Century mansion built in the 1720s.

Smoke and colour explosions at Houghton Smoke and colour explosions at Houghton (Image: Khroma Collective)

Here are some of the artists set to perform:

Peach 

The Ghost

Francesco Del Garda

Dj Stingray 313

Giant Steps

Shanti Celeste

Giant Steps

Ben Ufo

Midland

Joy Orbison

Location & Dates 

Location: Houghton Hall, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE31 6UE

Dates: Thursday, August 8,– Sunday, August 11, 2024

Gate Opening Times

Thursday August 8: 12:00 - 00:00

Friday August 9: 09:00 - 00:00

Saturday August 10: 09:00 - 00:00

Sunday August 11: 09:00 - 20:00

The lasers pictured in the Quarry at Houghton 2023The lasers pictured in the Quarry at Houghton 2023 (Image: Khroma Collective)

Arena Opening Times

Thursday, August 8 at 17:00 - 02:00

Friday, August 9 from 10:00 until Monday, August 12 at 03:00

Travel

For travel information see: www.houghtonfestival.co.uk/travel/

For more information see: www.houghtonfestival.co.uk/

Sir Robert Walpole, first Prime Minister born at Houghton HallSir Robert Walpole, first Prime Minister born at Houghton Hall