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.
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