Festival celebrates two decades plus one with variety and a distinctly Cumbrian feel
The 21st Kendal Calling drew thousands back to Lowther Park near Penrith for a weekend of music, comedy and other attractions, underlining why the event remains a summer highlight for many in Cumbria and beyond. Although the festival began closer to Kendal more than 20 years ago, its long‑running relocation to Lowther has not dimmed the connection with the town in the south of the county.
Sunshine across the site helped bring the best out of a packed bill which, organisers and reviewers say, delivered something for nearly every age group — from teenagers and families with young children to festival veterans and older attendees. The event’s broad appeal was repeatedly singled out as what sets Kendal Calling apart from many larger UK festivals.
- Headliners and main stage acts: The Kooks opened the main stage on Thursday, while Two Door Cinema Club closed the main action on Friday.
- Notable performances: Scissor Sisters and Ash received particular praise for energetic sets, and Vanessa Carlton led singalongs that resonated with audiences.
- Smaller stages and activities: Tim Burgess hosted a DJ set at Tim Peaks Diner, the Soapbox featured Rock and Roll Bingo, and a variety of stages such as the Parklands offered alternative programming.
Reviewers and attendees noted the festival’s curating philosophy — to spread entertainment across the arena so that those who remain glued to the main stage do not miss a rich buffet of other acts and experiences. This distributed approach encourages exploration and helps foster a family‑friendly environment alongside the late‑night headline performances.
“There really IS something for everyone,” a reviewer observed, noting teenagers, families, young children and pensioners all found joy with the Lake District as a backdrop.
The weekend also produced moments of cultural resonance. During Ash’s set on the Parklands stage, Tim (of the band) revealed that the single "Girl From Mars" had finally been certified gold, 30 years after its release — a milestone that brought a nostalgic high to the performance and emphasised the festival’s mixture of contemporary and legacy acts.
| Feature | Examples from the weekend |
|---|---|
| Main stage opener | The Kooks (Thursday) |
| Headline Friday | Two Door Cinema Club |
| Notable sets | Scissor Sisters, Ash, Vanessa Carlton |
| Side attractions | Tim Peaks Diner (Tim Burgess DJ), Rock and Roll Bingo (Soapbox) |
For Kendal and neighbouring towns, the festival remains significant beyond its musical line‑up. While the report did not publish attendance figures, events of this scale typically bring measurable economic benefit to the county through accommodation, transport and hospitality spend. The festival’s inclusive programming — from family fields to late‑night headline sets — helps attract a wide demographic mix that supports local businesses across different sectors.
That mix of audiences also feeds into debates about how festivals balance growth with local impact. Kendal Calling’s move from its original site near Kendal to Lowther Park demonstrates how festivals evolve over time, shifting footprints while maintaining brand identity and loyal followings. For residents and regular attendees, the festival’s ongoing success appears to rest on its ability to remain a celebratory, multi‑generational event rather than simply chasing bigger headline names.
Organisers and performers alike pointed to a weekend that, despite suggestions organisers might struggle to top a 20th‑anniversary celebration, succeeded in delivering a lively and varied programme. For many, the verdict was emphatic: this year’s Kendal Calling was “bigger, better and even more fun” than before — an affirmation that the festival remains a major fixture in Cumbria’s summer calendar.
As Kendal Calling looks ahead, the challenge will be to preserve the qualities that make it distinct — accessible programming, a family‑friendly offer and a sense of local belonging — while managing growth and the expectations that come with increased popularity.
