Kendal Calling is set to return to the stunning surroundings of Lowther Deer Park in the Lake District this weekend and, unsurprisingly, it’s sold out once again! If you’re about to get FOMO, don’t worry, a limited number of weekend tickets are still available through the festival’s official resale partner, Tixel.
So, what can we expect from one of the North’s favourite weekends of escapism?
For the dedicated festivalgoers arriving early on Thursday, not only will they get first dibs on the best camping spot, but there will be an opening night packed with quality live music. Indie icons The Kooks and Wakefield’s own The Cribs are among the headliners, and Tim Burgess bringing a DJ set to the fields. Keep an eye out too for rising Manchester band K-Estate, a band well worth catching before the crowds catch on.
The first full day of the festival kicks off on Friday with a line-up packed with indie favourites. Two Door Cinema Club, Scissor Sisters, The Coral, Hard-Fi, The Vaccines and The Snuts to name a few.
As ever, Kendal Calling is much more than just a music festival. One of the things that keeps people coming back year after year is the variety on offer across the weekend. If you fancy escaping the main stages for a bit, you can catch a film at The Picturehouse Cinema, get on karaoke with your mates in The Soapbox, or dive into the chaos of Bongo’s Bingo.
A wander through the woodland of Lost Eden reveals one of the festival’s most magical areas, while families can make the most of Kids Calling, featuring workshops, arts and crafts sessions, games and activities throughout the weekend. Tribute bands, comedy sets, silent disco’s, DJ sets… the list goes on. There is even a fully stocked on-site Co-op where you can grab a £5.50 meal deal and a few cold beers. Glastonbury, what are you saying?!
And you won’t have to live off pot noodles all weekend. With the smoky flavours of Ranch 76 Smokehouse to the Korean-inspired dishes of Seoul Kitchen, there’s something for everyone. The Wildfire Pizza Co. will once again be serving up its popular wood-fired pizzas, while a wide range of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options ensures nobody misses out.
Saturday’s music offering features performances from Doves, The Twang, Jamie Webster and The Libertines, alongside a special Beatles Orchestra set before Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro headline the evening.
While the forecast seems to change every few hours, it’s currently looking like festivalgoers might actually be treated to some sunshine. But as we all know too well, this is the North of England, so a raincoat is still essential.
The final day brings the weekend to a close, with music from Circa Waves, Dylan John Thomas, a Groove Armada DJ set, Red Rum Club, The Lathums, Primal Scream and headliners Wolf Alice.
Whether you’re there for the music, the food, the woodland adventures or simply a weekend away with mates, Kendal Calling continues to prove why it’s one of the most loved festivals in the country. With a line-up packed with Northern favourites, plenty to discover beyond the main stages and beautiful countryside surroundings, it’s easy to see why thousands make the annual trip to Lowther Deer Park every summer.
Here’s hoping for blue skies, muddy boots kept to a minimum, and another unforgettable weekend in the fields of Cumbria!
IT’S FESTIVAL SEASON, ALL THE LATEST LINE UPS AND FESTIVAL NEWS HERE AND INTERVIEW NEWS HERE
