Santanna Maria Ally, a 38-year-old DJ from Ibiza known professionally as Santanna Oush, has been identified as the woman found dead at the Houghton Festival in Norfolk. She was discovered unconscious in a tent on August 9, the final day of the four-day electronic music festival held at the 18th-century Houghton Hall.
Despite the efforts of the festival's on-site medical team, Ally was pronounced dead. Norfolk Police were called to the festival grounds at 8:11 p.m. following concerns for her safety. Her death was initially treated as unexplained but is not believed to be suspicious.
An inquest into her death was opened at Norfolk Coroner's Court, where the provisional medical cause was stated as hanging. Ally, born in London in May 1988, worked as a DJ and usually resided in Ibiza, Spain. She was formally identified at the festival by a friend, Amber Matheson. Her sister, Katy Ally, confirmed details about her birth and profession.
Ally was a well-regarded figure in Ibiza's dance music scene, with over two decades of DJing experience. She performed at prominent venues such as Pikes Ibiza and Hï Ibiza. She also founded OuShe, a movement aimed at championing women in music by providing a platform for emerging performers and established artists alike. In an interview last year, Ally described OuShe as a party and platform to "elevate and celebrate women in music."
Beyond DJing, Ally was also a vocalist, songwriter, and radio presenter, and had reportedly been planning to release her own music. Tributes from fellow artists, promoters, and venues have poured in, with many remembering her vibrant energy and commitment to supporting upcoming talent. Some tributes also included messages urging people to check on their friends, highlighting that outward appearances can be deceiving.
A GoFundMe appeal has been established by a friend, Marcus Eppy, to help fund a funeral for Ally. As of the reports, the appeal has raised over £8,000. Eppy described Ally as having a "heart of gold" and being the "life and soul of the party."
The Houghton Festival, known for its 24-hour electronic music programming, is often referred to as the UK's "poshest music festival." It takes place on a 1,000-acre estate owned by David Cholmondeley, the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley, and his wife Rose Hanbury. The festival was previously attended by the Princess of Wales in August 2023.
Festival organizers released a statement expressing deep sadness over the passing and confirmed they are cooperating with authorities. The death occurred just over a week after a 17-year-old girl died from a "medical episode" at the Kendal Calling festival in the Lake District.
Norfolk coroner Yvonne Blake has requested Ally's GP records as part of the investigation. A full inquest is scheduled to be held on December 15. The family has been invited to provide further information relevant to the circumstances of her death.