Police are investigating the death of a woman at the Houghton Festival, an upscale music event held on the grounds of Houghton Hall in north Norfolk. The woman was found unconscious in a tent on Sunday evening, the final day of the four-day festival.
Norfolk Police confirmed the incident, stating they were called to the festival grounds at 8:11 p.m. on August 9th due to concerns for a woman's safety. Despite the efforts of officers and the on-site medical team, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Her next of kin have been informed. The death is currently being treated as unexplained, but authorities do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances.
The Houghton Festival, known for its continuous electronic and dance music across multiple stages, attracts around 10,000 attendees. It is held at the 18th-century Houghton Hall, the estate of David Cholmondeley, the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley, and his wife Rose Hanbury. The estate is located near the Sandringham Estate, the country retreat of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The Princess of Wales previously attended the festival in August 2023. She was reportedly accompanied by security and friends and was seen enjoying spicy margaritas and electronic music.
The festival, established in 2017 by DJ Craig Richards, is unique in the UK for its 24-hour music programming. This year's event featured artists such as Ben UFO, Helena Hauff, and Objekt.
The festival organizers released a statement expressing their sadness and confirming the death. "We are deeply saddened to confirm that a person has passed away at Houghton 2026. Our thoughts are entirely with their family and loved ones at this difficult time," the statement read. They added that they are cooperating with the authorities.
This incident follows another festival-related death shortly after a 17-year-old girl died from a medical episode at the Kendal Calling festival in the Lake District.