Kendal Calling returned for its 19th edition on Thursday, welcoming 40,000 festival-goers to traverse the expansive grounds. Nestled in the hillside of Cumbria, Kendal Calling promised a weekend of soggy tents, super stars and the occasional spot of sunshine.
Thursday
Basking in Thursday’s glorious early evening glow, indie sovereign Declan McKenna delivers a joyous set to enthuse the Kendal early comers. McKenna’s viral anthem Brazil has his adolescent audience in fits of uncontrollable ecstasy.
Paul Heaton follows accompanied by Rianne Downey, performing a career spanning variety of songs by his former bands The Housemartins and The Beautiful South. With a day to go until the festival gates officially opens, the fields are already full of euphoria.
Friday
Sore-headed snoozers are awoken abrasively when post-punk outfit Deadletter takes to the Main Stage on Friday. In anticipation of their forthcoming debut album, the sextet perform a number of grunge tinged singles, notably the saxophone infused ‘Relieved’.
Revellers arrive in their droves as the boisterous Cucumaras attack the Calling Out Stage, followed by rock contemporaries Dead Pony. From the sublime to the ridiculous; ex-CBBC presenters Dick and Dom shut down the ornately decorated Parklands Stage with a rambunctious rave for (almost) all ages.
As the afternoon rain sets in, Irish country singer CMAT flourishes on the Main Stage. Her infectious combination of melody and comedy puts her in good stead to be a headline act in years to come. Festival veterans Keane follow later in the evening, invoking a refreshing sense of nostalgia for the early noughties.
Despite The Pigeon Detectives having to pull out at the last minute due to illness, The K’S step up to fill their shoes with aplomb, enthralling fans spilling out from beneath the Parklands Stage canvas.
Friday night’s finale is spearheaded by Britpop founding father Noel Gallagher. Performing music from his latest album Council Skies, as well as a selection of Oasis classics, Gallagher has the crowded field enthralled by a moving rendition of ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’. Echoes of the seminal anthem rumble across the hillside as weary campers hunker down for the night.
Featured image: WendyWei.pexels With the most anticipated night of the year right around the corner, the big question is looming: where are you going to celebrate it? Whether you dread it or count down the days, are new to the Manchester nightlife scene or are a regular, we’ve got your New Year’s Eve plans sorted….
By Georgia Robinson Featured image and gallery: Ruby Sharp Get one step ahead of your 2025 aesthetic and plan your outfits for the new year with this guide to all the trends we expect to see next year. Why not jazz up your wardrobe with trending accessories or browse Depop and Vinted for a pre-loved…
Featured image and gallery: Kaitlyn Brockley The rumble of trains passing through Piccadilly station, the hollers of touts (“tickets, buy or sell?”) and security (“have your IDs ready”), and the excitable chatter of gig-goers all audibly backdrop the outskirts of Manchester’s Mayfield Depot this dark, damp evening. Leaving the outside chill and travelling along the…
Featured image and gallery: Leo Woollison Crook Angela Cheveau and Kate Carne were crowned winners of the 2024 QuietManDave Prize on Friday. The short-form writing prize is held biennially to honour the memory of the much-loved and well-known Manchester writer and critic Dave Murray, who passed away in 2019. The writers were each awarded £1000…
Leave a reply