Pick up, it’s Kendal Calling!
The annual independent music festival is back for its 12th year and it’s a call you don’t want to miss!
Contrary to popular belief, the word “Kendal” did actually exist before the Kardashians added an extra “l” and changed its meaning forever. No, seriously: think less super-model and more small town in the southern Lakeland district of Cumbria and you’re on the right track. Follow this track even further and you may find yourself at the town’s annual independent music festival, Kendal Calling, and what a happy accident that would be!
This small but beautifully formed independent music festival takes place annually at the Lowther Deer Park in the Lake District, and has grown from strength to strength since its debut year in 2006, where it had its humble beginnings as a two-day event with the capacity of a mere 900 before flourishing into a three-day extravaganza in 2012, welcoming around 12,000 people. This year is its twelfth year running, and it’s set to be even bigger and better. From 27th -30th July, Kendal will play host to what is undeniably one of the best line-ups of the year within the small festival scene; so, grab your wellies, your camera and a pair of furry ears (all will be revealed later) as this is most definitely a call you can’t afford to miss.
What’s On?
The troupe of performers making their way to this scenic part of England is truly matchless: an enviable selection that even some of KC’s bigger competitors haven’t managed to assemble. The Main Stage, described by the people at KC themselves as a “remarkable natural amphitheater” offers a mixture of genres from the headlining acts, and will be home to the likes of Scottish rock band Franz Ferdinand and their Welsh comrades, The Stereophonics and Manic Street Preachers to British rapper Tinie Tempah and, perhaps most excitingly, Brian Wilson, who will be returning to KC one last time to perform Pet Sounds, the eleventh studio album from the Beach Boys, plus many more greatest hits. Wouldn’t that be nice?
As if this wasn’t enough, KC is making sure the party last for even longer with their spectacular array of talent on offer in the Glow Tent, which promises the best in cutting-edge dance music and legendary, international DJs. This year, the Glow Tent welcomes Example and DJ Wire, an explosive collaboration that has continuously delivered amazing performances containing hit after hit, so this is guaranteed to be an unmissable set that I’m sure Won’t Go Quietly (get it? Of course you do!). The Glow Tent will also play host to some incredible DJ sets from none other than Faithless, Jungle and the man of the moment; Idris Elba. I mean, how cool would it be to witness the next James Bond (hopefully) DJ live? Double-o-heaven!
What to do?
To describe Kendal Calling as simply a music festival (despite being an accurate representation of what it actually is!) does it a huge disservice, as there is so much more going on across the weekend that combine to make it the ultimate festival of the year. When you’ve raved to your heart’s content, kick back and relax at KC’s very own on-site cinema, showing legendary films that we all love to love, from Shrek to Toy Story. Alternatively, if you fancy some retail therapy, head over to the Kendal Calling Marketplace where you can pick up all manner of paraphernalia from festival clothing and accessories to old-fashioned sweets (we may not be kids anymore but we all still love a sherbet dip-dab, especially while watching Toy Story, obvs).
Bon Appetit!
When it comes to the variety of food on offer at Kendal Calling, the world is your oyster (but don’t worry, oysters aren’t on the menu). With the most creatively named vendors, from Gandhi’s Flip Flop to Piggie Smalls, there really is something for everyone, no matter what your dietary requirements (or somewhat annoying clean eating habits). And there’s plenty to wash it all down with as well, as KC is home to its very own Real Ale Festival, serving its own brands Kendale and Oh Deer, as well as a vast selection of local ales from the Lake District’s best breweries.
Live on the wild side! The theme this year is a huge one, “Kendal Calling goes Into the Wild”, which will take the festival from standard (albeit amazing) to exceptional. The Into The Wild theme brings a touch of safari to the countryside of Cumbria, with parades and entertainment that everyone can enjoy, so grab your (wolf)gang and let your inner animals out: start planning your costume now!
With all this to offer and more, Kendal Calling is surely in the running to be one of the best weekends of the year, and you’d be a fool to miss it. Standard tickets have now officially sold out, but you can sign up for resale tickets here: http://www.kendalcalling.co.uk /tickets See you in the fields!
Elise Harvey