Kendal Calling

Kendal Calling add new area to showcase Arts, Music & Culture

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Inspired by folklore of the Eden Valley, Kendal Calling presents something completely new for 2015. Wander into the woodlands and discover a whole new level of escapism a world away from the main stages. Expect stampedes led by opulent stags, weird encounters with mythical creatures inside giant, bespoke installations, and so much more—in short, expect a hotbed of art, music and culture nestled among four acres of beautiful woodland. Lost Eden will be home to new performance spaces with packed programs of audio-visual content, as well as a host of other artworks and leftfield experiences throughout the weekend.

If you dare to journey through this rabbit hole, you must prepare to be taken on a journey from a state of nature to a tribal metropolis. Kendal Callers are cordially invited to co-author the story of the Carvetti, the lost inhabitants of the Eden Valley, through costumed parades, spontaneous gatherings, workshops and encounters with newly commissioned installation art. Lost Eden at Kendal Calling is supported by the Arts Council England and curated with outdoor arts experts and NPO Walk the Plank.

A fully immersive experience, Lost Eden presents 10 new art commissions, with high calibre works in a range of media, including projection-based and sculptural work. From intricately carved automobiles to mesmerising video art, the unique and beautiful installations at Lost Eden are not to be missed!

With costumed processions through to giant puppets and gut-shuddering drum troupes, Lost Eden will play host to an abundance of performance too: watch out for glowing stags, ballroom dancers, topiary-headed ladies and larger than life jellyfish—to name just a few.

Lost Eden artworks at Kendal Calling are supported by the Arts Council England. They are curated in association with outdoor arts experts Walk The Plank, a creative force in cultural events and NPO also supported by the Arts Council England. Alison Clark, Director Combined Arts, Arts Council England said, ‘Kendal Calling has grown to be one of the most important festivals in the UK and Lost Eden will give people attending the chance to experience some great visual art alongside the music. I’m really pleased that we have been able to fund the initiative through our National Lottery funded Grants for the Arts programme and look forward to seeing the work myself.’

Catch over 100+ acts spread across the newly introduced stages, with sounds encompassing a cosmic blend of psychedelia, electro-swing, acid jazz, live techno and acid house in the evenings. Highlights will include Dub Pistols DJ set, Aziz Ibrahim (ex Stone Roses) and Wolfie Razzmatazz. Expect world music, bluegrass, folk and acoustic sounds to relax to in the day (watch out for Fiona Clayton, John Fairhurst, Wilf Stone and Bird to Beast). Keep your eyes peeled for panel discussions, lifestyle talks, spoof happenings and literature from our spoken word residents at Bad Language, every afternoon throughout the weekend.

 

ART & CULTURE

NEW COMMISSIONS – OUR PICK

Eden Avenue by Sound Intervention: Sound Intervention, an acclaimed arts company founded by Cumbrian artist Dan Fox, specialises in sonic art. For Kendal Calling 2015 Sound Intervention presents Eden Avenue, an installation of urban lamps flickering with light and the ephemeral sounds of forest wildlife.  http://www.danfox.net

Paradise Found by Mick Stephenson: Light artist Mick Stephenson is best known for his beautiful sculptures crafted from upcycled materials and vibrantly lit with LEDs. Drawing upon this expertise and the vision for Lost Eden,Mick presents a piece that plays upon the interaction between nature and our technologically advanced society. Expect a large-scale collection of clocks, computers and other devices bathing in artificial light while sprouting with lush vegetation.  http://www.mickstephenson.net

Liminal by Christopher Helson: It will be hard to miss the eye-catching contribution of Christopher Helson, as an enormous 8m diameter video sphere. Liminal will feature newly commissioned film as abstract depictions of Cumbrian lakes, mountains and forests.  http://helsonandjackets.com/index.php/liminal

 

PERFORMANCE ART – OUR PICK

Spark! Five mysterious characters made of light and sound will take you on a unique and mesmerising journey. High impact drumming, beautiful lighting design, dynamic choreography, incredible costumes, and strong characters: this is a show not to be missed. Watch out for some surprising audience interactions too! http://worldbeatersmusic.com

The Lantern Company. This world-class company will be furnishing the woods of Lost Eden with illuminated costumed characters, creating amazing and memorable events across the weekend. The Lantern Company play with light and dark, giant puppets, lanterns and performance, with theatrical installations, walkabout characters and carnival processions. Expect something mysterious, beautiful and absurd, often all at the same time!

http://lanterncompany.co.uk

Thingumajig: Unmissable performances by Thingumajig will include Jellish and Sunbirds; larger than life puppetry that will leave you smiling, if not a little stunned. Spectacular, uplifting and colourful, watch out for these unique creatures at dusk and at night in the Lost Eden woodland. 

www.thingumajig.info/projects/jellish

MUSIC

The Carvetti Stage: A mixed stage featuring a roster of sounds from laid back acoustic to bespoke cabaret and thumping brass ensembles. The Carvetti Stage also features lectures, spoken word and Q&As with must-see speakers throughout the day.

The Lost Stage: Expect an industrial sculpture-come-stage crafted and part-curated by the Invisible Wind Factory, our good friends behind Liverpool’s Kazimier. This is an after-hours party of electronic sounds encompassing experimental house, live techno and gut-shuddering dub.

REGIONAL FOCUS

Lost Eden will also showcase Eden Valley artist Fiona Clayton who returns to the live stage after a break. Browlin sees the return of Linton Brown under a new guise. Beachmaster will perform their ever evolving folk punk and Martin Allinsons (The Raged) premiers his new project Lost Colours, an exciting mix of Psychedelia & electronica. Along with other Cumbrian artists Hardwick Circus, Fading Face & Sykamore Sykes will be making their first appearance at the festival.

FULL LOST EDEN LINE-UP

ART & CULTURE: ‘Nature Delivers’ Dan Rawlings / ‘Treeple’ Paul Calsey / ‘Liminal’ Christopher Helson / ‘Eden Avenue’ Sound Intervention / ‘Wild Life Strip’ Simon Williams / Spoken Word with Bad Language / Aziz Ibrahim Q&A / Lifestyle Talks with Betternotstop / Festival Culture Panel with Professor George McKay / Swing dance classes / Live art with John Pearson / ‘Paradise Found’ Mick Stephenson

PERFORMANCE: Spark! / Kitsch & Sync / the Artful Badger / the Lantern Company / Sound Intervention / ‘Birdcage’ Caustic Widows / ‘White Stag’ Rhiannon White

MUSIC (LIVE): Aziz Ibrahim (ex Stone Roses) / The Church / Dogshow / The Age of Glass / Twisted Tubes / Hermigervill / John Fairhurst / Wilf Stone (Pikey Beats)/ Bird to Beast / Fiona Clayton / Fading Face / Hardwicke Circus / Henge / Purple Heart Parade / Ric Birtill / Strange Collective / Sykamore Sykes / Killer Computers / Beachmaster

DJS: Dub Pistols DJ set / Wolfie Razzmatazz / Culture Cuts / Mike Freear / Ki Creighto / Lucid Dream DJ set / Mixmonster Menno / Mortisville / Vinyl Revival / Uber / Faux Queens / Engine DJs / DJ Mime / Lost Colours / Rubrick’s Crumpet Funk / Browlin / Understate / DJ Storm.

 

With its own real ale festival, comedy,  kids activities, gourmet food and drink alongside artists such as Elbow,Snoop Dogg, Kaiser Chiefs, Vaccines, James and hundreds more, the multi-award winning Kendal Calling is the perfect summer festival..

Soapbox returns to Kendal Calling 2015

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The ever popular Soapbox makes a welcome return to the Lake District for Kendal Calling’s 10th Birthday celebrations.withdance classes, musical bingo and a belly full of laughs from a comedy line-up bursting at the seams with a whole host of renowned and up and coming acts on the circuit.  One of the UK’s most celebrated festivals, Kendal Calling is much loved for providing 4 days of cultural nourishment and these comedians and activities are set to keep revellers in high spirits.

Dance classes will include Twerk-It, Hip Hop dance classes, street dance freestyle sessions, Hola Salsa, Latin freestyle sessions,

Gag Reflex presents a sensational weekend’s comedy line-up that includes:

Carl Donnelly

Nominated for Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award in 2009 and 2013. As seen on Mock the Week (BBC2), Dave’s One Night Stand (Dave) and Russell Howard’s Good News (BBC3). 

Glenn Wool

As seen on Never Mind the Buzzcocks (BBC2), The World Stands Up (Comedy Central), Russell Howard’s Good News (BBC3) and more. 

Gary Delaney

A razor sharp one-liner specialist, as seen on Mock the Week (BBC2), The Comedy Store (Comedy Central), Dave’s One Night Stand (Dave) and more.

Brendon Burns

Hailing from Australia, Brendon is a festival legend.  Burns won the prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Award in 2007 and has appeared at the prestigious Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal.

Gein's Family Giftshop

Award-winning sketch comedy.  Nominated for Best Newcomer at 2014 Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards, winners of Best Newcomer at 2015 Chortle awards. As seen on Inside No. 9 (BBC2).

Vikki Stone

Described as the “bastard love child of Victoria Wood and Tim Minchin” this is musical comedy at its best.

Justin Moorhouse

As seen on Live at the Apollo (BBC1), Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights (Channel 4), Shameless (Channel 4) and the feature film “Looking for Eric”. 

Phil Ellis

The smash hit of the 2014 Edinburgh Fringe scooping the coveted Fosters Comedy Award Panel Prize. Currently filming a pilot for BBC1.

Dan Nightingale

The return of Kendal Calling’s favourite comedian, Dan Nightingale is widely regarded as one of the best performers working on the comedy circuit today. Mixing fiendishly accurate observation with energetic characterisations and killer punch lines, his comedy is original, playful, intelligent, poignant and exciting; sometimes ridiculous… but always hilarious.

Kendal Calling festival goers can also indulge in some Musical Bingo where songs and themes take the place of numbers and fabulously entertaining compere’s introduce ‘rules’ and prizes!  Expect some twists along the way!

Last Man Standing is a cross between the Generation Game, QI and Total Wipeout and will test the nerves, skill and knowledge of festival goers with its wacky challenges.

With its own real ale festival, kids activities, amazing food, drink and art alongside artists such as Elbow, Snoop Dogg, Kaiser Chiefs, Vaccines, James and hundreds more, Kendal Calling is the perfect summer festival.

Kendal Calling announce family entertainment and cinema lineup

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With the summer on our doorstep and festival season fast approaching, it’s nearly time for festival goers to descend on Lowther Deer Park in the beautiful Lake District for the sold out Kendal Calling 2015!

With the huge music lineup including headliners Elbow, Snoop Dogg, Kaiser Chiefs, The Vaccines and James, the festival is pleased to announce its family and kids programme for the year. With an ever-present focus on fun for all ages this year there is plenty to do for the whole family.

Kids Calling 2015 presents The Little Bugs Hub! The 2015 kid's theme is BUGS and Kendal is buzzing to bring festival goers the biggest and best kid's offering for Kendal Calling's 10th birthday. Kendal kids are invited to the BUG BIRTHDAY BASH and all festival long families can expect a hive of activity including games, creative performance, madcap mayhem, chill out zones and critter craft activities to decorate your little bugs and The Little Bugs Hub!

A huge array of other performance art, theatre and entertainment will be happening over the weekend. Marie Celestial is a very special commissioned performance including a mixture of aerial, circus, acrobatics, dance and theatre where you can explore curiosity with child like wonder. Walkabout pirate crew and all round loveable rogues Desperate Men will also be thrilling festival goers as will the interactive puppetry of Flying Buttresses Present: Hodman Dodmariott and Sally Forth.

Although jam-packed with entertainment, Kids Calling is a welcoming beautiful area for families with children from 0 – 10, shaded by lovely teepees and activity bell-tents for under 3's, where parents and little ones can relax and take time out from the crowds.

Kids’ TV favourite Alex Winters from CBeebies will be hosting the ever-popular kids’ version of Tim Burgess’ on site café, Tiny Tim Peaks. Full of hula hoops, temporary tattoos, giant jenga and face painting too. Other activities include a cartoon workshop with Tony Husband, incredible crafts class ‘Hey Ho, Let’s Sew’ and Andy Hunt’s DJ;ing masterclass for the teenage future DJs on site.

This year the cinema returns by popular demand with its own all day venue for any festival goers looking for a breather or just to enjoy one of their favourites in great company. Film fans of all ages can enjoy music docs, blockbusters, kids favourites and cult classics like Levellers: A Curious Life, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Happy Gilmour, Big Hero 6, The Big Lebowski, Ghostbusters, Mr Nice, Indiana Jones, Aliens, Terminator 2  and The Thing.

Other activities on offer include:

  • Big Fish Little Fish – Kendal Calling's first ever Kids rave.
  • Bug Training
  • Insect Olympics
  • Birthday Cupcake Decorating
  • The Bugs Birthday Bash Party 
  • Fancy Dress Parade
  • Early Evening Family Cabaret Featuring Kids Comedian James Campbell
  • Parkour (the art of freerunning)
  • Mufti Does Games – Huge boardgames including Battleships and Hangman.

Mark Lanegan Band & Gaz Coombes To Headline Calling Out stage at Kendal Calling

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Having sold out all tickets a huge 5 months in advance, Kendal Calling are announcing even more acts for this year’s huge 10thbirthday lineup.

Headlining the Calling Out stage on the Sunday night this year is none other than grunge legends Mark Lanegan Band. Having been a member of Screaming Trees and Queens Of The Stone Age as well as collaborating with the likes of Isobel Campbell and Greg Dulli and of course his work as a prolific solo artist, his distinct baritone voice places him as one of the most distinctive artists in the world.

Taking to the stage to headline the Friday is ex-Supergrass hero Gaz Coombes. Following the demise of his previous band, his solo career has gone from strength to strength not least represented in his latest album Matador, eleven tracks showing an artist at the top of his game and full of raw, powerful pop.

Kendal Calling are also excited to announced the lineup for Bondax & Friends over on the Glow Tent. Festival favourite Lancashire duo Bondax will be joined by a DJ set from beat manufacturing electronic twosome DJ Maribou State, Sheffield Black Butter signee Kidnap Kid, Grammy nominated multi instrumentalist and producer Jax Jones and young UK producer Grades.

Elsewhere, incredible English psych-rockers Temples will take the main stage for what is sure to be one of the stand out moments of the weekend and The Sunshine Underground return to the festival to headline the Woodlands Stage on the Sunday night. Also joining the lineup are Kim Churchill, Propellers, Jesca Hoop, Habitats, Francisco The Man, Gramotones, New Palace Talkies, Rhain, DRONE X VEED, Collectors Club, Steve Levine, Chadelics, Time For T, Cactus Knife, Secret Company,Bruising and Loyle Carner across the festival’s array of stages.

Grandmaster Flash added to almost sold out Kendal Calling

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Tickets for Kendal Calling’s 10th birthday celebrations are almost sold out and promoters are urging anyone wishing to attend to purchase tickets asap to avoid disappointment. Less than 1000 tickets are available!  The festival has consistently sold out well in advance but this year is set to break all records as demand for the 4 day spectacular has reached unprecedented levels.

Hip Hop legend, Grandmaster Flash is confirmed as a special guest, bringing his pioneering sound to the Lake District masses.  Widely credited with creating the cut and mix style that grew out of the Bronx block parties, Grandmaster Flash was the first hip-hop artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll hall of fame.  He joins Elbow, Snoop Dogg, Kaiser Chiefs, The Vaccines, James and hundreds of other acts at one of the UK’s finest festivals.

Marking 10 years of unforgettable memories and breath-taking moments, Kendal Calling celebrates its 10th birthday spectacular in the stunning Lake District, This innovative, independent festival is renowned for more than just music and festival lovers will also enjoy 4 days of arts installations,gourmet food, kid’s entertainment and a real ale festival all within the confines of what is widely regarded to be the most beautiful festival site in the UK.

Kendal Calling announce theme & creative competition

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Kendal Calling is turning 10! As the festival gears up to celebrate ten years in the fields of the beautiful Lake District, this year’s theme has been appropriately revealed as ‘Kendal Calling Goes Through The Decades’.

Festival revellers are invited to join a party ten years in the making and help make this year the best yet. Kendal Callers are challenged to dress up as a character from their favourite decade. Will you be a 1920's flapper, 60s hippy, 70s dancing queen, 80s metal-head, or a 90's popster? Heroes, pop stars, villains and icons of film are all set to unite for a blast from the past as Kendal marks a very special birthday.

This year Kendal Calling are looking for creative souls with bold ideas to become part of the rich tapestry of entertainment at the festival. The festival is inviting independent artists, walkabout performers, comedians, book authors, film makers, venue decor, workshops, dance classes, games, crafts, poets, kids activities & eccentrics to come and get involved at the tenth birthday spectacular!

Ben Robinson, Director says                       

"As we turn 10 we’re opening the gates to a new wave of party starters and we are looking for fresh, fun, bright and bold ideas!

Are you the life and soul of your scene? Have you been cooking up some crazy capers that could live in the fields? What amazing feat of your imagination could you build this summer? Got some tricks up your sleeve that the Kendal Callers would love?

Let us know and we could see you in the fields!"

Those with a creative spark can apply by clicking here. 

Set in the stunning surrounds of the Lake District, this innovative, independent festival is renowned for more than just music. Festival lovers will also enjoy 4 days of art installations, gourmet food, kid’s entertainment and a real ale festival all within the confines of what is widely regarded to be the most beautiful festival site in the UK.

Less than Jake, Groove Armada and more added to Kendal Calling lineup

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Joining the main stage line-up are ska-punk superstars Less Than Jake, anthemic rockers Augustines, Irish folk-pop duo Hudson Taylor, Manchester psych-rockers Blossoms and the piano-led rock of Sunset Sons.

Indie-pop five piece Dutch Uncles, Boxed In, Flyte, Port Isla, Seafret and Tuff Love join the Calling Out line up.

As ever the Glow tent will be packed to the rafters with the finest in electronic music. Heading up the line-up are electronic duo and ‘Superstylin’ hit makers Groove Armada who will perform a DJ set. They will be joined by drum and bass don Shy FX, the unique three-deck sounds of Friction, dubstep and house from Redlight and the cut and paste mashups of Jaguar Skills. Also appearing are Krafty vs A Skillz, My Nu Leng, Gotsome, Wookie B2B DJ Q, Bontan, DJ Marky, Kurupt FM and Alex Adair.  Very special guests are yet to be announced for the Glow Tent.

Local heroes Bondax & Friends will take over the Glow Tent for a day with the Lancashire future garage duo returning to curate a line-up including Maribou State, Kidnap Kid, Monki and Jax Jones.

Tim Peaks returns for 2015 with a selection of Q&A’s, secret sets and special guests as well as some damn fine coffee and the best cherry pie in town. Head over there to catch intimate appearances from Prince Fatty feat Horseman, Blossoms, Drohne, Hot Vestry, Professor Tim O’Brien, Tony Husband, Riding The Low, Mrs Boons Tea Party, Dave Haslam, Chris ‘The Hawk’ Hawkins as well as Britpoporama with Karl Yates.

Kendal favourite Mr Scruff heads up the Chai line-up alongside Onra, Melt Yourself Down, Richie Campbell, Fingathing, Syd Arthur, Babyhead, Stuff, Cocos Lovers, Hermigervill, Sheelanagig, Bombs, Count Bobo, Tezeta, Kinkajous and Aaron & Kit.

The House Party will host a Hacienda special with Jon Da Silva and Dave Haslam, Baggy Mondays, Juicy 90’s Hip-Hop special,Will Tramps!, Beat Boutique, The Power Ballad Salad.and many more.

PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED ARTISTS

ELBOW, SNOOP DOGG / KAISER CHIEFS / THE VACCINES / JAMES

KODALINE / THE LEVELLERS / THE HORRORS / ELLA EYRE / EMBRACE / NICK MULVEY / BILLY BRAGG / SOUL II SOUL / BRITISH SEA POWER / FUSE ODG / LUCY ROSE / PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING / KATE TEMPEST / MR SCRUFF / EMMY THE GREAT / BIPOLAR SUNSHINE / THE BOHICAS / PALACE  / TURBOWOLF / WALKING ON CARS / PORT ISLA /BLACK HONEY / FLYTE / HYDE & BEAST / REMI MILES / MAN MADE / TREASON KINGS / NIGHT FLOWERS / THE LANCASHIRE HOTPOTS

MR B THE GENTLEMAN RHYMER / LISBON / JEZ KERR / THE WATCHMAKERS / BAGGY MONDAYS / DAVE HASLAM /ACOUSTICA PRESENTS / RIDING THE LOW / FEED THE KID / JAMES ATKIN / GARETH BROOKS (XFM) / BEAT BOUTIQUE /JUICY DJS / GOOD VIBERATIONS / NORTHERN SOUL DANCE CLASSES / DJ MEGATUNE / EVERY PREGNANT BROTHERS / YUCATAN / MY LITTLE BROTHER’S CHRISTMAS PARTY / AVEC SANS / FREEK’N / NORTHSIDE

Elbow, Snoop Dogg, Kaiser Chiefs lead Kendal Calling 2015 lineup

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It is with great delight that the festival welcomes Elbow to the Lake District for a northern festival exclusive.  One of the most beloved and revered British acts of recent times, Elbow will headline the main stage in the fashion which has seen them rise over six studio albums  to become arena-filling voices of the nation. Their tales of love and wonder are sure to echo around the Lake District, and their headline performance will be a defining moment in a decade of Kendal Calling history.

Hip Hop phenomenon Snoop Dogg will make a headline appearance on the Sunday.  Snoop has sold over 30 million albums worldwide and will bring some Californian sunshine to the Lake District.  With an arsenal of hit singles and a reputation as one of the most powerful live bands in the country, Kaiser Chiefs are an explosive headline performer and are certain to see Kendal Calling out in fitting style.

Indie upstarts The Vaccines have cemented their position as the most exciting young band in British music. They burst onto the scene in 2011 quickly rising through the ranks with two hugely commercially successful albums and their new album English Graffiti is due out this year. 

The return of James to Kendal Calling for the 10th anniversary celebrations sees these quixotic Mancunians close the festival on the Thursday. James have had a staggering 30 year career and their huge catalogue of sing-along anthems is sure to provide a remarkable finale to the first ever Thursday night festivities.

Other main stage highlights from the first announcement include acclaimed singer-songwriter and Mercury Award nominee Nick Muvley, psychedelic rockers, The Horrors, Brit-Award winning songstress Ella Eyre, political bard Billy Bragg, edgy folk star Lucy Rose and the folk confessionals of Emmy The Great.  Kodaline will be bringing their epic stadium rock to the lakes to compliment indie stalwarts Embrace, pioneering British club act Soul II Soul, classic British rockers the Levellers and UK Afrobeat artist and TINA pioneer Fuse ODG.

The phenomenal Public Service Broadcasting will headline in the Calling Out stage. Other acts performing here include 2014’s breakout rapper and poet Kate Tempest, Bipolar Sunshine, Hyde & Beast, Black Honey and many more. 

Local heroes British Sea Power make a welcome return having played the very first Kendal Calling festival 10 year ago and they will headline the beautiful Woodlands stage.  It wouldn’t be Kendal Calling without an appearance from veteran tea drinker and musical maverick Mr Scruff and a full dance programme of the most pioneering electronic music is due to be announced in the much revered Glow Tent.

This is just the beginning!  Many more acts will be announced including the full Glow Tent, Calling Out, Chai Wallah and Woodlands line-up’s and much, much more.

Full lineup announcement:

ELBOW, SNOOP DOGG, KAISER CHIEFS, THE VACCINES AND JAMES ALL HEADLINE

KODALINE / THE LEVELLERS / THE HORRORS / ELLA EYRE / EMBRACE / NICK MULVEY / BILLY BRAGG /SOUL II SOUL / BRITISH SEA POWER / FUSE ODG / LUCY ROSE / PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING / KATE TEMPEST / MR SCRUFF / EMMY THE GREAT / BIPOLAR SUNSHINE / THE BOHICAS / PALACE  / TURBOWOLF / WALKING ON CARS / PORT ISLA / BLACK HONEY / FLYTE / HYDE & BEAST / REMI MILES / MAN MADE / TREASON KINGS / NIGHT FLOWERS / THE LANCASHIRE HOTPOTS

MR B THE GENTLEMAN RHYMER / LISBON / JEZ KERR / THE WATCHMAKERS / BAGGY MONDAYS / DAVE HASLAM / ACOUSTICA PRESENTS / RIDING THE LOW / FEED THE KID / JAMES ATKIN / GARETH BROOKS (XFM) / BEAT BOUTIQUE / JUICY DJS / GOOD VIBERATIONS / NORTHERN SOUL DANCE CLASSES / DJ MEGATUNE / EVERLY PREGNANT BROTHERS / YUCATAN / MY LITTLE BROTHER’S CHRISTMAS PARTY / AVEC SANS / FREEK’N / NORTHSIDE

Kendal Calling 2015 Tickets on sale at 2014 prices

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The sun has set on last weekend’s sold out Kendal Calling festival and the From The Fields promoters are already hatching plans for their eagerly anticipated 10th birthday party next year.  The quest is on to bring festival lovers the best Kendal Calling yet and a limited number of tickets are available at 2014 prices.

Customers must sign up with their email address and they will then be sent a unique code to purchase their 2015 tickets.  Once signed up, customers will receive an email on Thursday 14th August with their unique pre-sale code and details on how to purchase your pre-sale tickets.

To sign up for tickets please register at – https://kendalcalling.ticketline.co.uk/kc-2015-registration/index.php

Kendal Calling have also confirmed the extremely popular monthly payment scheme will take place again and customers will be able to secure their ticket for the 10th birthday celebrations for only £12.11 per month.

KENDAL CALLING 2015

THURSDAY 30TH JULY TO SUNDAY 2ND AUGUST

LOWTHER DEER PARK, HACKTHORPE, THE LAKE DISTRICT

Kendal Calling 2014 Review

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 “Make sure you pack your sun cream…it’s going to be a scorcher next weekend!”

These words did not end up ringing wholly true. In fact, this was one of the wettest, muddiest festivals I have ever experienced…and I've been to at least 20. If you are going to have your festival in the Lake District, who knows what weather you are going to get, but this was a Northern festival, with proper double-hard Northern people who were ready for anything.

…then this little guy turned up and showed us all how it was done…

Mud monster

We arrived early on Thursday, this being the first year to allow entry the day before the main festival.
After finally getting up our beast of a tent, we caught the first half of Craig Charles’ 
thumping set in the Glow tent, before some Yorkshire Ska in Chai Wallah, courtesy of The Talks.

Friday started out in the real ale tent, and not even for beer (this time!), but instead to avoid the first
heavy downpour of the weekend. Samba bands were a feature across the site, and kept everyone
entertained until the stages started. By the early afternoon the rain had stopped, giving way to sack
races and plenty of activities to keep families busy in the Ladybird Kids area. Teenagers got their dancing shoes dirty early on at the Jägermeister stage and in the House Party tent. The first big crowd
of the day was for The Dub Pistols, a band who just seem to be made for festivals, getting everyone
stomping those wet weather blues away.

There was disappointment for some as the next act Ella Eyre was unable to attend due to illness, but fear not…The Sunshine Underground served up an extremely last minute indie dance set that kept everyone happy while they refuelled in anticipation of De La Soul…

Unfortunately, owing to an accident on the M6, their set was cut short, but the enthusiasm they provided more than made up for it. 
“Me, myself and I” put lots of smiles on faces. With as many years of experience as they have they worked the crowd as you would expect.

Just enough time to grab some food. There was plenty on offer, ranging from exotic burgers
(Llama; wild boar and wagyu beef) to delicious momos from the Tibetan Kitchen (my photographer is now completely hooked on these badboys).

Suede headlined Friday night and began with a quiet opener “The Next life” from their first album.
They had won the crowd over by the third song “Trash”, followed by “Animal Nitrate” giving
everyone a chance to sing, and Brett Anderson to strut his stuff like the mid 90’s were here again.
Mid set we were given a new song “Tightrope” which the crowd were not really sure about, and
their set finished with “Beautiful Ones”.They closed the main stage with an encore of
“She’s in Fashion”, and a wonderful rendition of “Stay Together”.

Suede

After hours there was plenty to do with particular highlights being the Britpop set in the Tim Peaks Diner and the jazzy breaks of Mr Scruff.

 

As morning broke on Saturday, the site was turning to a liquid red thanks to the Cumbrian mud and morning rain. That didn’t stop large numbers of aliens, and sci-fi characters emerging from their tents to lighten up the gloom. The Glow Tent hosted a mass moonwalk to the song “Billie Jean”, as hundreds of MJ’s strutted their stuff.

Mid-afternoon, as the sun peeked out, Newton Faulkner played to a background of bubbles drifting across the field, “Teardrop”, and Justin Timberlake’s “Like I love you baby” bringing the crowds in. Athlete continued the summer vibe, and the sunglasses were out by the time Razorlight took to the stage. Sporting a lovely beard (trust me, I know about beards!) Johnny Borrell and the boys played a high energy, hit filled set.

Then, it was ALL about Madchester, with bucket hats and Lennon glasses being the necessary uniform. The Happy Mondays began with Bez informing us of his political intentions, which is either genius, or the most bonkers thing you’ve ever heard. The majority of this crowd would definitely vote for him. Shaun planned to keep it a PG performance, and entertained the crowd by never being quite sure which songs were coming next. Rowetta looked fantastic in her cowboy hat and tassels, and people were literally climbing the trees to get a good view. The sound was great and the whole arena was rocking to party classics from “Loose Fit”, to “24 Hour Party People”.

The Happy Mondays

Frank Turner started his set with a smaller crowd, hampered by the rain, but that crowd grew and got to enjoy a very special headline slot. This being his third time at the festival, he’s
definitely earned his Kendal stripes, and when he announced how honoured he was to play, you really knew he meant it. His band, The Sleeping Souls, threw themselves around the stage and really stepped up the volume, with stomping tunes like “Photosynthesis” getting the crowd all clapping and singing along. He dedicated his new song “Angel Islington” to all the Northerners. Despite a re-tune mid song and a broken string, nothing could faze Frank tonight!

Frank Turner

Sunday, originally predicted to be the best day for weather, was the worst, with frequent showers turning the main arena into a mud bath. Children and adults kept their spirits up by sliding down the hillside, and one of the great moments of the weekend was the chap in neon and a flat cap, cruising round a pool of mud in his electric wheelchair, chasing people. The Lancashire Hotpots played at lunchtime and won the award for most costume changes, and as they said, it was like a Lady Gaga gig! Conga lines, beach balls and songs including “We Love the North”, and “Chippy tea”, were just what was needed to keep everyone from flagging.

Reel Big Fish were the afternoon high point, Masters of styles they gave us the Ska Punk we all expected, but also a touch of Disco, and even a bit of Square-dancing. With choreographed kicks they finished with “Take on Me”, and as the dancing increased, the mud was flying. Tom Odell didn’t go in for quite the same level of onstage action, but instead let his music do the talking. It only took him to point to the girls at the front to get them all screaming, as he hammered away at the piano. A new song “Jealousy” from his upcoming album was particularly well received.

Miles Kane was taking no prisoners with a straight up rock and roll show. Dressed in a psychedelic shirt, his strutted around owing the stage, scissor kicking as he went. By the time he played “Don’t Forget Who You Are”, he had the audience joining in from the front to all the way up the hill.

Miles Kane

The final act on the main stage was Example, the biggest crowd of the weekend, and everyone wanted to be at the front. The sound from the stage was massive, with filthy bass lines shaking the sodden ground. Dressed in black he electrified the entire field, with lasers and a completely awesome neon drum kit. “One more day (Stay with me)” “Changed the way you kiss me” and “Kickstarts” were by far the biggest sing-a-longs of the weekend. As the set finished with air cannons
and ticker tape, the epic firework display was a worthy end to a sometimes challenging but ultimately celebratory weekend.

Example

After the main events, we headed back to Tim Peaks Diner for some energetic table dancing and a storming funk and soul set from Tim Burgess.
Just time to pop back to the real ale tent, this time for a well-deserved pint, we’d all survived!

 

Words by Reuben Crowther
Photographs by Andy Sawyer