Attractions

The Main Stage The Glow Tent

This truly stunning outdoor arena with it’s natural amphitheatre lined by ancient oak trees plays host to an array of handpicked international and current artists.

By day sit beneath the trees and soak up the sounds, by night be part of epic star lit headline performances.

The Glow Tent

Expect a diverse dance line-up bursting at the seams     with classic artists and red hot up and coming acts all with one thing in common - they know how to explode a crowd! Renowned DJs and live dance acts from the UK and around the globe will be making sure you’re dancing your socks off throughout the weekend.

Over the years we have staged Erol Alkan, Chase and Status, Nero, Adam Freeland,  Krafty Kuts, Skream, Beardyman and loads of other top disc jockeys and live button bashing electro monkeys.

Chai Wallah / Kaylied

Cumbrain Dialect for Intoxicated.. and you will be by the music on offer!

Since it joined the festival as a new feature in 2008 the Kaylied stage has played host to some astounding names in folk, world and roots music. Mumford & Sons, Frank Turner and Michael Kiwanuka have all performed to intimate crowds in this venue. It's also the first festival stage Craig Charles erupted with his Funk & Soul magic so don't hesitate in.

Calling Out

New music, new music, more new music! A variety of styles and genres with one thing bringing them together - a thirst and energy for performing! This is the place to witness the most exciting new music from across the UK and internationally. 

Kendal Calling began through a thirst for supporting new music from the North West and Calling Out continues that passion by giving new acts a stage to really let loose musically and gain new fans. Be sure to check out as many fresh acts as you can. The past years have seen the stage play host to the likes of Wild Beasts, Pulled Apart By Horses, Dananananaykroyd, Fenech Soler and General Fiasco to name but a few.

House Party

Righto gang, here comes another three day house party in a field! It's going to be as crackers as ever - there'll be beds to jump on, wardrobes to grab from and a welcoming sofa whenever you fancy joining us. As the Guardian described it -  ‘A perfect night out, you’ll be dancing one minute and talking broken biscuits in the kitchen the next.’

Every night will see a host of awesome DJs from all genres and Dave Haslam and Will Tramp will be along for their annual legendary sets. As always there'll be some extra special surprises - last year The LAs stopped by for an impromptu set, their first festival show in over a decade!

Soap Box

A place for laughter, tomfoolery, the extraordinary and the eccentric. Be prepared to be surprised by a weekend full of sensory excitement featuring everything from stand up comedy, slam poetry to Salsa dancing. Over the years Soapbox has had Howard Marks telling us about how he kept Lion poo in hishouse, John Cooper clark regaling tales from his years as a punk poet and Charlie from The Love Police explaining just how he got arrested for thought crimes ahead of the Royal Wedding. 

This year we will have a whole host of crazy performers, comedians and speakers lined up for you. A full announcement will be coming soon.

Tim Peaks

Tim Peaks is the newest addition to what's going on at Kendal Calling and we think you're gonna love it. Starting life as a metaphysical diner on twitter and BBC 6Music, The Charlatans' frontman Tim Burgess's created a virtual world of listening parties, tea  and happenings and he'll be setting up for real for three days of fun in the fileds. He'll be supplying the best in music, DJs, Q&A's, book readings, poetry and a place to enjoy a well deserved cuppa.

Tim Peaks Presents: DJs // Q&A's // Book Readings // Poetry // Jukebox // Plus a place to enjoy a well-deserved cuppa.

Happy Slap Boutique

This year the Happy Slap Boutique experience will be like no other. After getting transformed into creatures and characters at our make-up and face-painting boutique get ready to be immersed in magical worlds, dazzled by spectacular cabaret shows, wowed by our traveling circus and entertained in ways you never thought possible!

Happy Slap Boutique present a world of fairy tales and mischief full of secrets to explore and discover, we'll be keeping you entertained and giggling all weekend. Bump into Jack Sprat, a narcoleptic sleeping beauty or climb up Rapunzel's hair and witness our take on your classic fairy tales. Our performers will be traveling around the festival entertaining you where you least expect it through music, song, dance and ridiculousness.

Solar Songsmith

There is nothing better than finding a little common ground and meeting some new faces. New or 2012 we're pleased to announce we'll be serving locally produced REAL ALE over the bar. Music comes courtesy of the Solar Powered Songsmith who has programmed an eclectic bill of acoustic music.

You will also find delicious treats to eat and a relaxed atmosphere anytime of day and by night. 

LadyBird Childrens Area

At Kendal Calling and like to see all ages having fun together. Bring the kids along to enjoy workshops on percussion making and music; movement and mask making; and settle down for a bit of storytelling and puppetry. There will also be an array of games and activities throughout the day - and all of this is free!

Real Ale Festival

For the past 3 years Kendal Calling has been proud to host a real ale festival, featuring a selection of real ale from the Lake Districts best breweries including the festival’s very own tipples, Kendale and Oh Deer! 

Held onsite at our festival pub, the real ale festival is supported (and curated) by CAMRA. A festival within a festival, sample some of the fineest beers while soaking up the atmosphere.

Fancy Dress Theme - Kendal Calling goes to the movies!

The KC crew are working hard on the pre-production of this years première in the fields as ‘Kendal Calling Goes To The Movies’. We cordially invite you to be cast members for what promises to be the most fun & frolics in the fields yet! 

This year the whole festival will be a celebration of the movies. Every area of the festival will take on a different movie genre taking the festival-goers on a journey through cult classics and much-loved movies past & present.

Without giving too much of the plot away festival-goers can immerse themselves in the Wild West complete with it’s own Saloon bar, get their freak on in the spooky Horror area and Haunted House(party!), have an adventure in an area fit for Pirates and the likes of Peter Pan, hang out like gangsters and molls, and have a whole host of magical adventures!

Saturday will yet again be fancy dress day so get their thinking caps on for the leading role you’ll play. Whether it be a character or object from your favourite movie…Think Rambo, Freddie Krueger, Princess Leia, Darth Vader, Terminator, Willy Wonka, Ghostbuster’s Marshmallow Man, Jessica Rabbit, Hannibal Lector, Batman, Optimus Prime, Spiderman… Although it doesn’t have to be a character but a much-loved movie star, infamous director or something completely off the wall! Head here for 10% off costumes and some ideas from friends at Escapade.