Get on the witing list for tickets to the SOLD OUT 2025 show now… but read on for the event’s long
Get on the witing list for tickets to the SOLD OUT 2025 show now… but read on for the event’s long history and the 2025 line-up…
Kendal Calling’s story is one of organic growth, fueled by a love for music and the beautiful Lake District setting. It began in 2006 as a small, two-day event at Abbot Hall Park in Kendal, featuring headliners like Pendulum and British Sea Power. Even in its infancy, the festival embraced a quirky, energetic spirit with robot imagery and flying plastic owls.
The following year, in 2007, the festival doubled in size, moving to Grate Farm and showcasing dance music pioneer Grooverider alongside bands like Dirty Pretty Things and local talent. By 2008, attendance reached 4,000, despite (or perhaps because of) wet weather that inspired mud sculptures and raucous performances from acts like Dizzee Rascal and Super Furry Animals. DJ Yoda even declared the Dance Tent “better than Glastonbury,” signaling the need for a larger venue.
In 2009, Kendal Calling found its permanent home at Lowther Deer Park, a former wildlife park surrounded by ancient trees and deer. This move allowed for significant expansion, with Mumford & Sons, The Streets, and Ash headlining amidst a flurry of activities, including a memorable ski slope constructed with 80 tonnes of snow. This year also marked the start of the “Cumbrian Olympics,” a series of humorous and competitive games.
The 2010 festival introduced fancy dress, the Glastonbury-renowned Croissant Neuf area, and a Real Ale Festival. Musically, Doves, Calvin Harris, and Stereo MCs led a diverse lineup, earning Kendal Calling the “Best Small Festival” award at the UK Festival Awards.
2011 saw Kendal Calling sell out in record time, welcoming its biggest headliner yet: Blondie. The festival also broke a world record for the largest mint cake and featured performances from Echo & The Bunnymen, The Cribs, and Frank Turner, further cementing its reputation for quality music.
In 2012, Dizzee Rascal returned, joined by James, Maximo Park, and Feeder. The Charlatans’ Tim Burgess launched his Tim Peaks Diner, hosting intimate sets from artists like Edwyn Collins. This year also introduced themed camping options like the Deer Lodge.
2013 was a year of big names with Primal Scream, The Charlatans, and Basement Jaxx headlining. Public Enemy, Seasick Steve, and Johnny Marr also graced the stages. The festival adopted a “Kendal Calling Goes To The Movies” theme, featuring a late-night cinema and a world record attempt for the largest gathering of Supermen. The festival also won “Best Medium Festival” at the UK Festival Awards.
2014’s “Kendal Calling Goes Beyond The Stars” theme brought Suede, Frank Turner, and Example as headliners. The festival offered a wealth of entertainment beyond the music, including Craig Charles arriving by helicopter, a Beastie Boys tribute, and talks about space travel.
The 10th anniversary in 2015 was a huge celebration, expanding to include Thursday main stage performances. James, Elbow, Snoop Dogg, and Kaiser Chiefs headlined, with a “Through the Decades” fancy dress theme. The new Lost Eden area in the Woodlands provided a magical space for exploration and performances.
In 2016, blessed with sunshine, Kendal Calling featured Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and Madness. A “Carnival of Colour Parade” added to the festivities, and Lost Eden returned with a new Lost Disco stage. Catfish & the Bottlemen and The Hives also performed, while Peter Doherty played a secret set.
2017 saw a “Into The Wild” theme, with Stereophonics, Manic Street Preachers, and Franz Ferdinand headlining despite typically Cumbrian weather.
In 2018, the festival journeyed “Into The Future,” welcoming Catfish and the Bottlemen, Plan B, and The Libertines as headliners.
2019 took on a “Jurassic Deer Park” theme, complete with dinosaur walkabouts and a prehistoric parade. Nile Rodgers & Chic, Doves, Orbital, and Courteeners headlined a memorable weekend, despite some heavy rain.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 festivals, replaced by Kendal Calling Radio, a virtual event featuring performances and interviews.
Kendal Calling triumphantly returned in 2022 with a new main stage location and the introduction of Parklands and Oktoberfest. Bastille, Stereophonics, Tom Grennan, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor were among the performers celebrating the belated 15th anniversary.
2023 saw Kasabian, Royal Blood, and Blossoms headline, with special appearances from Frank Turner, Rick Astley, KT Tunstall, and Kiefer Sutherland.
The history emphasizes Kendal Calling’s evolution from a small gathering to a major festival, its commitment to diverse lineups, themed years, and creating a strong community spirit.
Headliners:
Other Artists (in order of appearance on the poster):
Lowther Deer Park
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