‘I went to UK’s best festival and it was magical than ever’

Kendal Calling has been a staple on the festival calendar for more than 20 years and 2026’s offering proves it’s better than ever

For more than 20 years, thousands of people have been descending onto fields in Cumbria to celebrate music, art, comedy and above all else – having a brilliant time.

Kendal Calling returned for its 21st festival appearance and as the sun shone down on Lowther Park near Penrith (for the uninitiated, yes it started life near Kendal but now has a long-standing new home in the north of the county) it proved to be bigger, better and even more fun than ever.

It had been suggested organisers couldn’t top the party to celebrate two decades of festival fun last year – but clearly it was a ‘hold my beer’ moment as they did just that.

From the opening sets on Thursday to the final fireworks on Sunday, Kendal Calling proved it really is a cut above the rest.

What separates Kendal Calling from many of the other festivals across the UK during the summer months is there really IS something for everyone.

Teenagers, festival veterans (me), families, young children and pensioners can all find so much joy nestled away with the stunning Lake District as the backdrop.

The party started early with The Kooks headlining the main stage on the Thursday, they were joined by The Crib, Vanessa Carlton (who got the whole crowd singing) and Vacant Weekend.

If you glue yourself to the main stage at Kendal Calling you’ll miss a whole buffet of treats from a DJ set by Tim Burgess at the Tim Peaks Diner to Rock and Roll Bingo in the Soapbox, there are things happening all over the arena – another thing that sets this Cumbria festival miles apart from its rivals.

The weekend was off to a roaring start and Friday was even more action packed. My personal highlights were Scissor Sisters on the main stage – what a performance – and Ash on the Parklands stage. Banger after banger took everyone right back to the nineties and was made even more special when Tim revealed Girl From Mars had FINALLY achieved gold status – a mere 30 years after its release.

The main action on the Friday was rounded off by Two Door Cinema Club with a stunning set.

But fear not, festival goers still had plenty to keep them occupied after the main stage closed up shop for the day. Parklands kept people entertained into the night with The Coral and the Calling Our stage was there to entertain hardy souls still partying until 3am.

The Woodlands is a really special place at Kendal Calling at any time of the day but really comes into its own after dark. Tiny stages, along with the very special pub, the Craic Inn, are dotted about the forest but the real highlight is the stunning light trail, complete with a huge globe.

It really did feel like stepping into fairyland after dark and was the perfect place to spend a few hours dancing and soaking everything when the action had finished on the main stage.

If that wasn’t enough you also have a cinema, that’s right, a cinema on site showing classic after classic when you feel you need a sit down, not to mention the Desert Island Disco tent to give that ultimate party vibe.

Unusually for Cumbria – I can say this, I’m from there – the weather all weekend was utterly incredible with just one or two showers, and even these were mainly at night.

I have to mention this camping. This year, for the first time, I was lucky enough to be in Deer Lodge. Nothing beats not having to lug your tent to a festival and these homes for the weekend are really special. Not to mention loos that flush and, as if by magic, stay fully stocked and clean all weekend, along with hot showers. It really was a festival dream.

Spending the day time in the arena is truly a magical experience. I didn’t think it was possible but Kendal Calling was prettier than ever this year. For those with young children, the Kids Calling area of the site is incredible with plenty to do to keep little ones busy and soaking up a true festival atmosphere.

Saturday was an electric day with The Hunna playing their final ever festival gig and The Untold Orchestra performing Beatles hits to really get the crowd going. There was comedy galore in the Soapbox tent, headlined by Marcus Brigstocke and if you don’t visit and spend some serious time in the Chai Wallahs tent, you are seriously missing out. We saw some incredible acts from Karma Sheen to Omega Nebula.

Gabrielle had a spot on the main stage in the late afternoon and played all the hits – a leftfield performer for what is traditionally an indie-heavy festival but the crowd couldn’t get enough of her.

An electric set by The Libertines preceded the headline act, Biffy Clyro, and my word they did not disappoint. Already being touted as the best headliners Kendal Calling has ever seen their set included columns of fire, fireworks and even a flame thrower – played by Simon WHILE he played the guitar (believe me, I don’t think I took a breath). Utterly spectacular.

Sunday at Kendal Calling always has a chilled feel to it. Our day started with a hearty breakfast at the Ranch 76 Smokehouse – an actual restaurant with the loveliest staff you can imagine.

Sunday is also fancy dress day and this year the costumes were better than ever – culminating in the joyous parade in the afternoon.

Primal Scream in the main stage were truly spectacular. Bobby Gillespie might be collecting his bus pass but the man is a rock and roll god, before the weekend was rounded out by Wolf Alice in a truly spectacular closing set followed by the legendary closing fireworks.

Yes, other festivals exist but none, in my opinion are as special as Kendal Calling. It has all the benefits of Glastonbury and what really makes it so special are the people. Not just those working and performing – who all seem genuinely delighted to be there – but those festival friends you meet along the way.

Everyone is there to have an amazing time and everyone is determined all those around them will too.

See you in the fields in 2027!