Along with a stellar line-up of musical talent including Suede, Jess Glynne, Kelis, Everything Everything and The Hives, Standon Calling will raise the bar on its family offering this year to provide an amazing programme of entertainment for all ages.

Hertfordshire's own children authors Alice Hemming and Tamsyn Murray climb aboard to read a selection of their books as well as running character development and craft workshops.

Music comes from internationally renowned children's singer/songwriter Nick Cope, who will be performing tunes from his new album, The Pirate's Breakfast. While Vegas Girls will put on an exciting show, mixing old-school classics to create harmonious and unique mash ups.

Standon Calling welcomes street dance classes hosted by award-winning performing arts School Living the Dream. Wish Upon a Party will train little mermaids and pirates a range of dances, games, balloon modelling and bubble catching. 

Older children and teens can get involved in creative workshops across the weekend. They can help to create a giant junk art installation with an underwater theme, highlighting global warming and the effects of rubbish on sea life. Budding film-makers are invited to capture their festival experience and learn film production skills, with the results being screened on Sunday. Soundtracks will be put together in music production workshops and DJ classes will also be on offer. 

Don't miss an unmissable water balloon fight, young pirates will get to walk the plank, plus there will be circus skills classes, a nulahula hooping show, poiromanic juggling and more. 

Poseidon's Library offers respite from all the action with a voyage of discovery with a selection of books and storytelling. 

Standon Calling introduces a new baby and toddler zone for 2016 offering a host of activities including baby yoga and massage, a multi-sensory rave as well as toys, games and a chill out zone. 

Following the narrative of Standon Calling's story Legend of the Lost Seas, the festival will supply the best crafts around for young festival-goers to make their own mermaid necklaces, tutu's, pirate hats and eye patches. Children will also have a chance to make sea monster junk puppets and sock puppets followed by puppetry role play. Standon Calling will also add more sparkle this year with body glitter, face paints, hair braids, nail art, henna, glitter tattoos and more.

Tier 2 adult weekend tickets for Standon Calling 2016 are on sale from £137 + booking fees. Children's tickets range from £107 for ages 13-17, £20 for ages 4-12 and £5 for children under 3. There is also a ticket deposit scheme available to pay in instalments. Discounts available for group bookings.