LAUGHS AND STAGE SPLITS: KENDAL CALLING REVEAL ALL NEW ADDITIONS
Fatboy Slim (Nick Brooker/Kendal Calling)
With just three weeks to go, award-winning Lake District music and arts festival Kendal Calling have shared the complete stage splits for the weekend-long festival, announced the full Soapbox Comedy line up and revealed some all-new additions to the festival site.
Also announced today is the Kendal Calling Soapbox bill. Headlined this year by British radio, TV and standup institution Marcus Brigstocke; radio DJ, actor, writer, comedian and all-round renaissance funny man Justin Moorhouse and British-Nigerian bouncer turned Edinburgh Comedy Award-winning comic Emmanuel Sonubi, the Soapbox has become a much loved highlight of the national summer comedy circuit with a host of acclaimed comedians and rising stars alike joining the bill including the Britain’s Got Talent-winning Lost Voice Guy, aka Lee Ridley as well as Jenny Hart, Mark Nelson, Kai Humphries and more.
Kendal Calling have also revealed a series of brand new spaces on site for this year’s festival. As night falls across Lowther Deer Park, lights will lead explorers to Azaadi, a late night only venue bringing a high-energy blend of Alt-Desi electronics, genre defying South Asian sounds and all of the bass. Curated by pioneering DJ and broadcaster Bobby Friction and fresh from its Glastonbury debut, Kendal Calling’s edition of Azaadi will feature the likes of Panjabi Hit Squad, Manara, Naina and more.
Making its much anticipated return this year will be the Ranch 76 Smokehouse, Kendal Calling’s own authentic low and slow BBQ experience. Open for breakfast and dinner, expect tender BBQ favourites, hearty sides and ice cold drinks in a laid back, sit down ranch setting. Kids under 10 eat free at Ranch 76 with a paying adult but spaces are limited. Book a table and a time slot here.
Reinvigorated by last year’s special 20th anniversary celebrations, this summer’s Kendal Calling line up is headlined by Two Door Cinema Club performing their critically acclaimed debut album Tourist History in full; one of the festival’s biggest ever headliners Scottish veteran art-rockers Biffy Clyro; next generation festival headliners Wolf Alice and indie icons The Kooks who will be capping off the opening night with a special 20th anniversary celebration of their now five times platinum debut album Inside In/Inside Out.
Packed with stadium-worthy legends and sets from hotly tipped buzz bands alike, Lowther Deer Park will also welcome everyone from Scots psych-rock legends Primal Scream, American disco pop rockers Scissor Sisters and British soul and R&B institution Gabrielle. They’ll be joined by Nottingham’s fast-rising alt-country outfit Divorce, hotly tipped Scottish folk-punk five piece Brogeal and Manchester indie rock buzz band The Covasettes, who arrive fresh from the release of their debut album, Honeymoon Forever.
Taking over the beautiful Lake District’s Lowther Deer Park from Thursday 30th July to Sunday 2nd of August, the 40,000-capacity festival will transform the park into the third biggest town in Cumbria for the weekend as Kendal Calling continues its unprecedented 21-year run of sell-out festivals.
Founded in 2006, the inaugural Kendal Calling was a two-day, 900-capacity gathering headlined by an eclectic combination of Australian electro-rock stadium fillers Pendulum and Kendal’s own British Sea Power (now Sea Power). The festival sold out in advance, as has every iteration since; including last year’s four-day, 40,000-cap 20th anniversary special where Kendal Calling invited friends new and old to reflect on two decades that have seen the award-winning festival grow into one of the most in-demand events of its kind in the UK.
Over the years, Kendal Calling has ascended into an other-worldly experience, with joy and discovery to be found in all four corners of its picturesque site. Embodying the idea of a true festival escape – Kendal Calling has become as much about the art and the experience as it has the amazing music that soundtracks the weekend each year. From the illuminated woodland of Lost Eden to the Sunday teatime carnival, to the attention to detail on crafting immersive venues across site – the Deer Park becomes a complete feast for the senses at the end of July.
With unparalleled music line ups, surprises at every turn and an inimitable sense of community and character, Kendal Calling is all set for visitors to explore a unique creative wonderland held in the ancient parks of the Lake District. For the latest information and updates, check the Kendal Calling Festival socials.
