Here we are – two days away from our huge 20th birthday party! While we’re putting the finishing touches on the Deer Park, ready for a spectacular weekend, we wanted to give you all the details for 2026’s on sale.

Tickets for our 20th extravaganza will go on sale next Thursday the 7th August at 10am sharp. All the usual camping upgrades will all be on sale too alongside payment plans, allowing you to split the cost of your Kendal tickets across the next 10 months.

As a little something special – we’re giving away 20 free pairs of tickets to next year’s festival so if you’re feeling lucky, drop your email in the form below to enter!

We look forward to welcoming you all to the Deer Park this weekend, it’s looking beautiful on-site and we can’t wait to celebrate our 20th birthday with you all!

JUST UNDER A WEEK ‘TIL WE’RE BACK IN THE FIELDS!

As we get into the final days of building our own little world up in Lowther Deer Park, here is all the essential info you need for this year’s festival! We can’t wait to welcome you all back for another stellar weekend in the fields!

Now, we’re sure you’re all fully in the midst of preparing so we’ve compiled a few extra bits of advice in the drop down menu’s below:

not had your e-tickets?

Parking and Live in Vehicle hangers have been sent in the post, if you have not received a hanger by Tuesday 29th July, please contact SeeTickets who can arrange a replacement e-ticket.

OTHER COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

MY PARKING PASS SAYS FRIDAY – SUNDAY BUT I’VE GOT A THURSDAY TICKET?

Not to worry, if you have a Thursday ticket, your parking pass will also cover you for the Thursday too. This is also true of any campsite upgrades such as Emperors Field, Great Plains, Deer Lodge or Tangerine Fields. Once you have a Thursday ticket, all your other tickets are then valid from Thursday too.

i have an upgraded campsite ticket (emperors field, great plains, Deer Lodge, Live-in Vehicle, Tangerine fields) – if I have a thursday ticket, can i use this campsite on thursday?

Yes! Your Thursday ticket works in conjunction with other tickets so if you have a ticket for an upgraded campsite AND a Thursday ticket, you can stay in that campsite on the Thursday night too! No extra charges, nothing additional to book.

MY TICKET HAS MY FRIENDS NAME ON IT, WILL I BE ABLE TO USE IT?

Yes, don’t worry, this will be absolutely fine!

when will the set times be available?

They’ll be available within the lanyard once you’re on-site.

Can we purchase Soap Opera or Posh Privy on the day?

Posh Privy is entirely sold out with Soap Opera not far behind, we can’t guarantee availability on the day of the festival.

Can I leave and come back to the festival across the weekend?

You will be able to leave and enter the site, and will only need one parking pass for the entire festival.

what form of ID do you accept?

We strictly only take: Driving licenses, provisional or full, Passports and Citizenship cards as forms of ID. Birth certificates and photocopies are not accepted.

i have a general weekend ticket, which are the general campsites?

All weekend tickets include access to our general camping: Great Holmes/24 Hour Party People, The Shire, Haye Parks, Saddleback View (Family Campsite) & Quiet Camping.

WHAT IS THE ALCOHOL POLICY?

Alcohol is allowed into the campsite on your first trip only. We ask that each person only brings a reasonable amount for themselves to enjoy (note, no glass bottles as the festival is home to many deer, so please, protect the deer park).

Alcohol is not allowed to be taken into the arena. We apologise to those who think this is unfair however the festival is subsidised by the profits made from the bar and without it we simply would not be able to bring you all the great acts and entertainment on offer without drastically increasing the ticket price (which we don’t want to do!)

As always, we like to keep our bar prices within the arena in line with other festivals (often a bit cheaper on locally sourced ales!) and offer our festival goers good value.

my question isn’t answered here

essential packing list

  • 🎟️ Tickets: You won’t get very far without these! Remember that you need to hold a weekend ticket in order to attend, these are valid from Friday to Sunday. You will need an additional Thursday ticket to access anywhere on the festival from Thursday, including the campsites. The only exception is The Frontier as this is located off-site.
  • 🎫 I.D: If you’re looking to purchase or bring in alcohol across the weekend, you may be checked for ID by our security staff.
  • 👛 Wallet: Kendal Calling is a cashless site we’d recommend bringing both your debit / credit card and a back up method such as Google or Apply Pay. Google / Apple Pay work off NFC and therefore don’t need signal to make a payment.
  • Tent: Your humble abode for the weekend!
  • 🛏️ Sleeping Bag:  Although it’s summertime, it can still get rather cold at night. A sleeping bag is a great way to have a comfortable night’s sleep!
  • 📞 Your Phone: This is the best way to keep in touch with friends/family over the weekend. Of course you can also show your e-tickets on your phone too! A worthwhile tip is putting your friend/families phone number on your lock screen just in case you lose it.
  • 🥤Reusable Bottle: As part of our sustainability efforts, we have more free drinking water points which are even easier to find, with clear signage. We’d recommend everyone bring a reusable water bottle.
  • 🧼 Toiletries: Make sure these are packed for good hygiene across the weekend! We recommend: Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Mouthwash, Rehydration Sachets (for the inevitable hangovers), Washable Flannel, Deodorant, Sun Cream, and Anti-bacterial Gel. Remember to pack a towel if you’ve got Soap Opera tickets!
  • 🧻 Toilet Paper: it’s always handy to have a roll, just in case!
  • 🔦 Torch: This will be particularly useful for late night toilet visits and trying to find your tent after headliners.
  • 🗑️ Biodegradable Bin Bags: These are amazingly handy when collecting and disposing of your rubbish at our campsites, as well as to put dirty clothes/muddy stuff in when coming home. If you forget, don’t worry – our campsite crew will be able to give you one!

WHAT TO WEAR

  • 🥾 Wellies and Walking Boots: A good pair of comfortable walking boots will help keep your feet comfortable all weekend. Although we hope for a sunny KC, the Lakes are well known for four seasons in a day. It’s therefore recommended that you pack a pair of wellingtons or walking boots in case rainy weather does make an appearance. Throw in some good pairs of socks to keep your feet warm!
  • 🧥 Jumpers/Hoodies/Blanket: As it can get chilly throughout the night, these will help keep you warm and comfortable. We also recommend a rain coat for potential rainy days!
  • 🕶️ Sunglasses: If the sun does make a visit, make sure to pack sunglasses to give your eyes a break.
  • 🧢 Hats: Likewise, a hat can always be helpful in protecting from the sun!
  • 🎉Your Celebrations costume for Sunday: Whether it’s Santa or Frankenstein, don your best fancy dress and celebrate with our annual teatime parade!

ADDITIONAL EXTRAS

  • 🪑 Camping Chairs: If you’re the kind of people who likes to sit round camp in the mornings, chairs will make your stay much more comfortable!
  • 👂 Ear Plugs: For those of you who are light sleepers, these can be they key to a good nights rest.
  • 🚿 Dry Shampoo: Its hard keeping up appearances all weekend, dry shampoo will be your best friend in this department in keeping your hair looking clean and fresh.
  • 🩹 Duct Tape: We’re certain enough duct tape can fix any problem – including any accidental rips and tears in camping equipment!

WHAT NOT TO BRING

  • 🚫 We have a list of items we prohibit here
  • 🧻 Disposable wipes: We advise all customers to not bring disposable wipes with them. Not only do they contain plastic and other non-biodegradable materials, but when these plastics break down into microplastics, they can enter the food chain and disrupt entire ecosystems.
  • 🚬 Disposable vapes: While we will allow them on-site, please don’t litter them. Find a bin, take them home or alternatively please purchase a reusable one in advance.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN ON SITE

  • 🚽 We have added more toilets at the Main Stage including female urinals, however if you’re at the top right of the Main Stage field, you might be quicker using the route at the top of the field to use the loo’s at Calling Out.
  • 🚽 While on the subject, toilets will always be quieter while the acts are on stage, to save time queuing, take a minute to go during the performance.
  • 💖 Look after each other! Often regarded as one of the friendliest festivals in the country, Kendal Calling is a community. Please look out for one another across the weekend. If you need help, please speak to a steward, security member or head to the Welfare tent located in the Village Green.
  • 📝 Keep an eye out for The Parish Council Noticeboards around site! 👀

With less than three weeks to go, we are counting down the days until we are back in those fields! Now before we get there, it’s time to get acquainted with this years maps!

This year, Kendal Calling celebrates our 20th birthday, and we’re pulling out all the stops to make it the most magical year yet!  From showstopping headliners to the hidden gems that make a weekend in the fields so special – let’s dive into 50 unmissable moments at Kendal ’25.

1. We’ll be eating, sleeping, raving, and repeating as Fatboy Slim takes to the decks come Saturday night.

2. Take a stroll through the woodlands and uncover the enchanting world of Lost Eden. From intimate micro venues to captivating art installations, take a gander away from the Main Stage and immerse yourself in a feast for the senses!

3. Bring your best moves and prepare to absolutely murder the dancefloor, as disco queen Sophie Ellis-Bextor joins us in the fields to launch the festival on Thursday evening.

4. Get ready for the rave as one of our biggest headliners to date, The Prodigy, shut down the Main Stage on Sunday evening.

5. Waking up to views like this…

6. Indie royalty Courteeners return to Lowther! Expect to lose your voice belting ‘Not Nineteen Forever’ – we are currently preparing everyday in the shower.

7. Sink a stein and dance with the Oompah band in our Bavarian-inspired Oktoberfest.  From pretzels to bratwurst, chow down on some of the finest food around as we whisk you away to mainland Europe!

8. Whether you’re on the hunt for unique thrifted fashion or hand crafted trinkets venture along the market runs and bag yourself a momento for the weekend! Whether it’s on-trend retailers like Goose and Gander and Lucy & Yak or one of our unique independent traders, you’re sure to stumble upon something special

9. Expect belly laughs aplenty on Sunday afternoon as comedy legend Jason Manford takes over the Main Stage.

10. Stumble into the local as The Stagger Inn returns. Whether you want to prop up the bar, put the world to rights in the beer garden or simply sample some of the finest Cumbrian ales – this is the place to be!

11. They’re back! Festival favourites The Wombats will be returning on Friday evening to light up the Main Stage. We personally can’t wait for another sunny singalong of ‘Greek Tragedy’!

13. Embark on a musical journey in Chai Wallahs, where sounds from around the globe come to life. From jazz and funk to hip hop, soul, and reggae, a vibrant mix of genres will fill the stage all weekend long. P.S, they also make a mean pizza.

14. Speaking of food, treat your taste buds to a world of flavors, you’ll find a delicious array of meals from across the globe (and of course, a Yorkshire pudding) scattered around the arena.

15. As Sunday rolls around, we’ll be turning up the energy as Skindred brings their legendary live show to the Lakes! Whether you are a die hard fan or brand new to the delights of reggae metal, we expect this to be the set everyone is talking about come the end of the weekend!

16. Kids Calling is back, ready to entertain the next generation of Kendal Callers. From live theatre to craft workshops, there’s plenty for all ages to enjoy – and endless opportunities to create core memories.

17. Spend your night raving underneath the upside down garden as Parklands transcends into night with drum and bass legend High Contrast!

18. We’re predicting a riot as Kendal favourites, Kaiser Chiefs, make their rightful return to the headline spot! Celebrating 20 years of the iconic debut album ‘Employment’ – this promises to be banger after banger.

19. Soul songstress turned rock and roll queen Corinne Bailey Rae ventures to the Lakes this Summer! Her first outing at Kendal promises to be a special one. Catch us screaming ‘Put Your Records On’ at the barrier.

20. Dance the night away in our art deco discotheque as the Desert Island Disco returns in full swing, delivering the grooviest beats on site.

21. Take a break from the buzz and settle in for some big-screen magic. Whether it’s cult classics, family favorites, or late-night gems, our Picturehouse is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a unique cinematic experience

22. It simply wouldn’t be our 20th birthday if we didn’t invite a few friends along! Frank Turner returns for his fifth outing in the fields on Sunday evening and we simply can’t wait to have him back.

23. Drop by the North West Air Ambulance’s post office stand and send a Kendal Calling postcard to your friends or loved ones – whether it’s a humble brag or to remind them what they’re missing out on, we don’t judge.

24. Join the mass choir singing beneath the treetops as the infamous Silent Disco returns to the woods of Lost Eden!

25. Don’t miss the electric energy of Sports Team as they take over Calling Out on Saturday night. Known for their raucous live shows and infectious, brash indie anthems, expect a performance that will have you buzzing long after the music stops.

26. You asked, we delivered! The Royston Club return and this time, they’re taking to the Main Stage! Going to be a lively one this.

27. A fan-favorite way to end the night! Shit Indie Disco is back to deliver all the indie classics you know and love in Calling Out on Saturday.

28. Grab a coffee in Tim Peaks Diner and maybe you’ll be fortunate enough to catch one of their famous secret sets! Tim Burgess’ diner of dreams is a world unto itself. Regardless of when you visit, you can be sure to see something interesting!

29. Fancy a laugh, or perhaps a bit of cabaret? Stop by The Soapbox across the weekend for the finest comedy, interactive shows and maybe even a spot of karaoke.

30. The K’s are back in the fields this year! We had to move them to Parklands due to demand last year so naturally they should be right at home on the Main Stage come July!

31. Ready to steal the show with yet another singalong of ‘She’s So Lovely’ are Scouting For Girls! Packing a dose of feel-good nostalgia, these chart-topping legends have become somewhat of a must at Kendal over the last few years and we expect an unrivalled atmosphere as they headline Parklands for the very first time.

32. Don your finest fancy dress and join the Sunday teatime parade! Over 200 participants from around Cumbria, including large scale puppets, marching bands and dance troupes will cascade through the arena – join in and tag along!

33. Welcome back British icons The Pigeon Detectives as they rock the Main Stage on Saturday afternoon. From the adrenaline-pumping ‘I Found Out’ to the hands-in-the-air anthem ‘Take Her Back’ their hits are tailor-made for festivals.

34. Dive into the groove with Mr. Scruff! Known for his epic sets that blend everything from jazz and funk to electronic beats and soulful melodies, this legendary mix-master is guaranteed to keep the vibe alive in Parklands on Saturday night.

35. Do you like Rage Against The Machine? Do you also like Nicolas Cage? Well, boy do we have just the act for you. One of our more leftfield bookings, Nic Cage Against The Machine, provide the intensity of Rage Against The Machine with the unrelenting energy of Hollywood’s most unpredictable icon.

36. Sheffield favourites Reverend and the Makers are set to deliver one hell of a sermon come Saturday afternoon! If you’ve never been to a Rev show before, expect to be bouncing from start to finish.

37. Disappear to the Woodlands and catch everything from indie to jazz, ska to disco! Nestled amongst the trees, you’ll find our forest hideaway has something for everyone!

38. Step through the eras as Twisted Time Machines take you on a journey through time in the Desert Island Disco! From retro anthems to futuristic beats, Twisted Time Machine delivers a set that’s equal parts nostalgia and full-throttle fun.

39. Don’t miss the magical sound of Nina Nesbitt, who will be gracing the Main Stage early doors on Saturday. Nina’s ability to blend vulnerability with empowerment makes her a must-see!

40. Capture the ultimate Instagram-worthy moments!  While our Lake District home is stunning enough – our team spends weeks transforming this ancient deer park into a complete other world – have your eyes wide open as you venture around our immersive wonderland.

41. Lottery Winners hold a special place in our hearts – having performed at Kendal near enough every year since 2010! Following a packed out Parklands tent, they’ll return to the natural amphitheater of the Main Stage this July!

43. Dive headfirst into the festival spirit with our epic fancy dress theme! Keep a close eye on our socials in the months ahead for all the exciting details…

44. Daniel Bedingfield will be serving up 00s nostalgia as he takes to the upside down garden of Parklands on Friday evening. Allowing us to fulfill our childhood dream of experiencing ‘Gotta Get Thru This’ live.

45. Meander through the creative cornucopia of Lost Eden and discover The Magic Teapot! This cosy corner of the woods is reserved for singalongs around an open fire accompanied by a lovely cup of Yorkshire’s best tea!

46. Charlatans bangers with an Orchestra? Sounds good to us! Close friend and collaborator Tim Burgess is bringing along the Royal Northern College of Music’s session orchestra and Helen O’Hara of Dexys fame to help us celebrate 20 years in the fields!

47. Are you looking to feel bejeweled? We know the feeling all too well! Join us on Sunday afternoon in Parklands for the ultimate Taylor Swift Social.

48. From The 1975 to Mumford and Sons, Loyle Carner to IDLES – many of today’s headliners have stepped to the stage in Calling Out over the years. This year, you have your chance to catch the next generation before they take that big leap – we’d recommend catching Chloe Slater, Luvcat, Daydreamers, Divorce or Master Peace under the big top over the weekend!

49. Calling all big kids at heart! If you’re ready to relive your glory days, we’ve got just the duo for you. Dick & Dom are returning to Parklands to bring the chaos, leading the loudest, most outrageous game of bogies you’ve ever witnessed!

50. Take the time to explore every nook and cranny of the festival – you never know when you’ll stumble upon those hidden gems that make Kendal Calling so unforgettable. Often, the most awe-inspiring and magical moments happen in the quieter corners, just waiting to be discovered!

“But it’s only January 2025!” – we hear you! It’s very early days but the planning cycle for artists and festivals gets earlier and earlier each year. We are full steam ahead towards our special birthday celebrations this July as we approach our 20th consecutive sell out year in the fields however, we also have to have half an eye on the follow up!

That’s where we need your help… We’d like to know who you’d like to see play Kendal Calling 2026! We surveyed some of this years ticket holders a while back which helped us form shortlist for you to vote on – however there is also a space for you to tell us about any other artists you’d like to see grace these fine fields. Just hit the button below to give us your thoughts!

A PARTY 20 YEARS IN THE MAKING…

We’re over the moon to share the incredible news that Kendal Calling 2025 is a sell out, over ten months before we step into the fields! We can’t thank you enough for your support and rest assured, our team are hard at work making sure the celebrations are worth the wait.

We’re over the moon to share the incredible news that Kendal Calling 2025 is a sell out, over ten months before we step into the fields!

We wanted to say a huge heartfelt thank you on behalf of everyone in our team. This year has been our fastest sell out to date and your enormous support doesn’t go un-noticed, rest assured our team is hard at work ensuring that this year’s party is our biggest yet!

Kendal legends Kaiser Chiefs will kick start the festivities on Thursday evening, with The Prodigy bringing things to a close on the Sunday night – in between lies a weekend of exploration! We’ve already unveiled the bulk of our line up, but we’ll be adding a few additional names throughout the year to keep you on your toes.

We’re also yet to reveal this years theme but trust that it’s one fitting of a 20th anniversary! We’ll have plenty more to say on that in due time but for now, we’ll let you all speculate…

Of course, Kendal wouldn’t be complete without a few surprises and this year is no different – we’ve incredible plans for Lost Eden and we’re sure Tim Burgess is already cooking up plenty of plans for his diner of dreams – keep your eyes peeled, you never know what you might miss..,

See you in the fields!

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Here we are – two days away from our 19th year of Kendal Calling! As we head back into the Deer Park for our annual adventure, we wanted to give you the rundown on the plan for next year’s festivities – our 20th birthday celebration!

While the work never stops to bring the biggest party of the year – we’ve been doing double duty to secure the biggest of celebrations for 2025 to ensure we honor two whole decades of Kendal Calling in the best way possible. We’re happy to confirm we’ve already booked our first headliner – the earliest we’ve ever had a headliner in the bag!

Tickets for our 20th extravaganza will go on sale next Thursday at 10am sharp. To celebrate this momentous occasion, we’re giving 20 lucky Kendal Callers the chance to book one of the first 20 tickets for just £20! To be in with a chance of winning, sign up below! We’ll be letting the winners know next Wednesday.

We look forward to welcoming you all to the Deer Park this weekend, it’s looking beautiful on-site and we can’t wait to celebrate our 19th year in the fields with you all!

Step into the magical world of Firefly Forest, a stunning new overhead light installation making its world premiere at Lost Eden 2025. Specially commissioned for Kendal Calling, this immersive experience is a dramatic evolution of Ithaca’s acclaimed Sea of Light – brought to life like never before across the woodland canopy.

Thousands of shimmering fireflies will swirl and hover above you, suspended in delicate fabric structures that scatter light through the trees. As you walk beneath, pulses of colour and movement illuminate the forest, creating the illusion of fireflies dancing in the air.

Set to an enchanting, immersive soundscape, Firefly Forest draws you in with shifting lights, mesmerising patterns, and a magical sense of wonder – a unique experience found only at Kendal Calling 2025.

The Mycelium Network created by Stevie Thompson illustrates the hidden underground connections between mushrooms, plants and trees that exist beneath all of our feet.

Fibrous networks ‘mycelium’ play a vital role in protecting the environment and providing for humanity; from providing us with food and medicine, to regenerating trees and plants after forest fires, mycelium can even break down toxins in polluted soils