Kendal is calling you!
Okay, so you’ve read about, heard about and watched the high profile Beeb coverage of the big, world famous festivals splattering our isles this summer. Then maybe this year you’ve decided you fancy a bit of the great outdoors, or just music, mud and bucket loads of overpriced cider. It’s a bit too late for Glasto tickets now, so here at Licklist we’ve found the perfect (and much cheaper) alternative; Kendal Calling.
Held at Lowther Deer Park, Hackthorpe in the picturesque Lake District, KC clearly takes a lot of its vibe inspiration from that other one down south, with emphasis on creating a festival accessible to all from teenagers running round off their head on Fosters to the over 30’s sampling local ‘real ale’ and the varied cuisine on offer.
Attractions
Starting with the music then, Frank Turner, Suede and Example headline the festival with loads more musical goodness to be found over the eight stages. We’d recommend catching Amber Run and Kimberly Anne on the smaller stages. You won’t just be stood in a field watching bands though, oh no, KC put their own creative twist on the outdoor music arena with stages like ‘The Houseparty’ returning complete with household furniture to climb on, and a kitchen area to hang in, just like a real house party! You’ll also find the ‘Glow Tent’ and the ‘Riot Jazz Tent’ which we would expect are exactly as they sound.
For the more civilised amongst you, yes there will be art and culture and stuff. Spread around the site between stalls and stages are examples of ‘Site Art’ or, in other words, pieces of brilliance or weirdness, depending on your outlook, to draw your attention as you wander the fields. Expect to also encounter festival performers popping up here and there from trapeze artists to samba bands to the intriguing sounding mobile disco taxi.
Play your part
As with every year, KC offers the consumer the chance to interact and become a part of the festival’s history like no other. Last year saw a successful world record attempt for the most Superman fancy dressers in one place, this year the theme is outer space which sets the world record attempt for ‘world’s largest moonwalk’ up nicely. Turn up in your best intergalactic themed attire and walk backwards letting out the odd ‘cha-mone’ for authenticity all the way to a new world record.
Take a chill pill
The popular Late Night Cinema is back. ‘Why would you go to a festival and watch a film?’ we hear you ask. Well, when are you ever going to get the chance to watch a classic movie in the forest underneath the stars? The Late Night Cinema provides the perfect place to escape the hyped antics of the festival and is a nice spot for young couples.
When all the excitement gets too much there are plenty of ways to relax. The Garden of Eden offers a whole manner of spiritual, mind body and soul enhancing treatments to get you back on your feet and raving in the Glow Tent. Get a massage, meditate then get back on it we believe is the message here. We have also come to find out in this modern world, it’s not just humans who need their batteries recharging. In the Village Green area, mobile phone chargers will be available.
Tickets and Camping
Tickets for the whole weekend come in at £119, roughly half the price of a weekend ticket at Glastonbury or a Reading/Leeds or at V. The experience you get here judging by the reviews from people who’ve been before and from official festival awarding bodies would suggest that to be excellent value for money. If you do however want to spent that little bit more, luxury camping and other mod cons are available.
Kendal Calling takes place from the 31st July to 3rd of August, all additional information including how to buy tickets can be found on their website: http://www.kendalcalling.co.uk
By Tom Konstantynowicz