Kendall Calling is set to return to the Lake District this summer (28-31 July), and to offering a guide through its bill this year is founder Andy Smith who has made us a playlist of his personal picks from the 2016 bill. “Kendal Calling was born from a group of music lovers,” he declares. “From booking big bands to perform on the Main Stage alongside new, emerging acts we’ve developed a reputation for having a number of different stages in which you can see some of the newest and exciting new acts, cutting edge dance music, local talent, folk, hip hop, acoustic sets and all manners of mayhem, especially in the Tim Peaks diner. Plus, with a cinema, fun fair and a Kids Calling area, Kendal Calling is the perfect festival to hang out with friends or even the whole family!”
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – AKA… What A Life!
“I think when Noel Gallagher announced his solo career we all breathed a sigh of relief. He’s indisputably one of the world’s best songwriters and booking him for our festival was a personal dream of mine.”
The Charlatans – North Country Boy
“Kendal Calling’s long friendship with Tim Burgess from The Charlatans is no secret, especially since the introduction of Tim’s venue, The Tim Peaks Diner, to Kendal Calling in 2011. The Charlatans headlined the festival in 2013 and we’ve been dying to have them back ever since.”
The Darkness – I Believe In A Thing Called Love
“20,000 people singing along to this at the top of their voices? It gives me goosebumps thinking about it!”
Maximo Park – Books From Boxes
“We welcome another Kendal Calling favourite back to the fields this year. Maximo Park have hit after hit and I know this will be a highlight of the festival this year.”
The Hives – Hate To Say I Told You So
“I’ve wanted to book The Hives for absolutely ages and this year I struck lucky! Pelle Almqvist is a captivating lead singer, and the last time I saw them their roadies were dressed like ninjas. Enough said!”
Everything Everything – MY KZ, UR BF
“I’ve been a fan of Everything Everything since their first album. We’ve booked them to play at our other festivals Bluedot and Electric Fields as well – I love them that much! This song is an oldie but a goodie.”
Donovan – Mellow Yellow
“I don’t think there’s anyone in the country who hasn’t heard this song. Donovan will be a special guest in the Woodlands on Saturday night – set to be a special evening.”
Blossoms – Across The Moor
“These guys have taken Manchester by storm, and rightly so. I’m not sure if this has been announced, but Josh’s dad also plays the piano, and he’ll be making a special appearance in our Tim Peaks diner this year!”
Ghostpoet – X Marks The Spot
“I’m delighted to welcome Ghostpoet back to Kendal Calling this year as a second stage headliner. Check out the great collaborations on his Shedding Skin album, too.”
The Big Moon – Cupid
“I saw these girls supporting The Maccabees on their last tour and I had to book them! Apart from their catchy songs, they also come across on stage like they’re already your best friends. Catch them in our Calling Out stage.”
For more, including the full line-up and latest ticket news, head to Kendalcalling.co.uk
