Want to know the pull of Kendal Calling? Read on…
Kendal Calling is just the right size! It’s big enough to bring in the big acts and has plenty of stages to satisfy a diverse audience but isn’t too big that the family vibe is lost. I feel safe wandering around at Kendal Calling. I see familiar faces year after year. People tend to revisit Kendal Calling every year as it’s a good all-round festival. I bump into the same families and friendship groups year after year.
Tim Peaks Diner is legendary and has its own special place in the hearts of Kendal Calling. I could quite happily spend all weekend chilling outside the diner eating good food and soaking up the atmosphere. Popping in the diner from time to time to catch a set from emerging artists and special guests playing secret sets. Tim Peaks has its own special merch market set up by Tim Burgess where you can buy vinyl, merchandise and even illusions drawn by Ben the illustrator of the artists and their sets in the diner.
There is plenty to do after the headliners! Some of my favourite things happen after the main stage closes such as Baggy Mondays DJ set and Shit Indie Disco.
Lost Eden is a special part of Kendal Calling which I love to wander around when I need some time away from the crowds. You can look at the lights, join in with the Silent Disco, have a hot chocolate by the Fire Pit, or even find a hidden rave. It’s a magical part of the festival which makes Kendal Calling stand out.
Kids Calling has so many fun activities for families who attend the festival. I have friends who love the kids area and return year on year to have family fun at Kids Calling.
The Picturehouse is a great place to decompress and take some time away from the crowds. The cinema shows a variety of films for all ages and tastes including cartoons for kids every morning.
Love a laugh?! The Soapbox brings some of the best comedy to the fields! This year, Dom Jolly celebrated 25 years of screaming “Hello” down the phone. By night, the Soapbox becomes fun for all with Bongos Bingo and karaoke.
Chai Wallahs makes me feel carefree. I could quite happily chill out in Chai Wallahs with a cup of coffee or grab a cocktail and dance the night away. Anything goes in the Chai Wallahs tent! There is even a boutique filled with handmade clothes and accessories.
I enjoy the comfort of staying in my camper van, and for many, The Frontier field is quite a hike. You can stay closer in the Living Vehicles field near the Co-op, but you have to book ASAP when the tickets go on sale as they sell out in seconds. In the last couple of years, to sweeten the deal of a 45-minute hike into the festival, the team at Kendal Calling have hosted a BBQ night at Lowther Castle for people who purchase a Wednesday ticket exclusive to people staying in the Frontier field only. This means you are all ready set up for Thursday’s add-on day of music, and you get to enjoy an extra night’s holiday in the fields. I think it’s worth it, but that’s just me.
A few extra things I love about KC!
- Posh toilets in the main arena! Yes, if you look to the bottom corner, there are lots of proper flushing loos!
- Loads of food vendors all over the festival grounds near all the stages. You can find food for all and lots of options for a sweet tooth too!
- Pay as you feel tea and coffee in Lost Eden! Last year it was at The Magic Teapot and this year you could pay as you feel for a brew at The Craic Inn and join in with a sing song.
- The Co-op has all the essentials to get you through the festival weekend. Forgot something? The Co-op has all the festival essentials and meal deals and even a DJ and games if you are lucky. I’ve played a few games there over the years and won the odd branded bucket hat!
- Shuttle bus to and from The Frontier Field! Yes, you have to walk back if you miss the last bus at 01:30, and whilst the crew are on a tea break between 4-5PM but at all other times, you can hop on the party bus to the Co-op to shorten that walk and back to the Frontier Field after a day partying in the fields.
- Kendal Calling Festival traditions! I love how as a community we have come up with traditions over the years! We have Shit Shirt Day on the Friday, Fancy Dress on the Sunday, which is themed every year, and we all go round sticking pegs on as many people as possible without them noticing! Now that’s some fun traditions.
Ps. Did anyone find Alan?
All photography by Sarah Fisher (@sarahinthepit). You can find more of her photography here.