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!
With all this and so much more, Kendal Calling 2025 promises to be our most spectacular celebration yet. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a veteran of the Deer Park – there is plenty in store come July!
See you in the fields!
