Norfolk Police are investigating the death of a woman who was found unconscious in a tent at the Houghton Festival on Sunday evening. The death, which occurred on the final day of the four-day event, is currently being treated as unexplained, though no suspicious circumstances are believed to be involved.
The festival, held at the 18th-century Houghton Hall in north Norfolk, is known for its continuous electronic music performances and attracts a high-profile clientele. Princess Kate Middleton has previously attended the event, with reports noting her enjoyment of spicy margaritas and the 24-hour techno music in August 2023.
Houghton Hall is the home of David Cholmondeley, the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley, and his wife Rose Hanbury, who are friends and neighbors to the Prince and Princess of Wales. The estate is located less than two miles from the royal couple's country retreat, Anmer Hall, on the Sandringham estate.
Police were called to the festival grounds at 8:11 p.m. on Sunday, August 9, after receiving reports of a woman found unresponsive. On-site medical teams and officers attended, but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Her next of kin have been informed.
The festival organizers released a statement expressing deep sadness and confirming the death. They stated that their thoughts are with the deceased's family and loved ones and that they are cooperating with authorities. "We are grateful to our onsite medical team, event response team and to Norfolk Constabulary, who all responded immediately," the statement read.
Houghton Festival, established in 2017 by DJ Craig Richards, is the UK's only 24-hour music festival. It features a diverse range of electronic music genres, including techno, house, drum and bass, and jazz, played on stages across the estate's grounds and woodland.
This year's event saw approximately 10,000 attendees, with tickets costing between £280 and £330. The festival has earned a reputation as the UK's 'poshest,' drawing wealthy and high-society attendees. The news of the death at Houghton comes shortly after a separate incident at the Kendal Calling festival, where a 17-year-old girl died from a medical episode.