Featured image and gallery: Gracie Hall
A sold-out Kendal Calling 2024 took place in the Cumbrian hillside for the 19th consecutive year this weekend. Titan headliners, Manchester prodigies and ex-England international footballers behind the decks, the hills came alive with the sound of music.
Revellers with Thursday evening entry were treated to an early festival highlight when Paul Heaton graced the Main Stage. Accompanied by Rianne Downey, Heaton sang a selection of songs including those performed by his former bands The Beautiful South and The Housemartins.
Alternative sextet Deadletter and rowdy post-punk contemporaries Dead Pony attracted boisterous crowds to kickstart the Friday festivities, followed later in the afternoon by Irish country singer CMAT. Britpop stalwart Noel Gallagher headlined the Main Stage, performing Oasis classics including ‘Half The World Away’ and ‘Live Forever’.
Northern acts continued to triumph across the weekend, with Pale Waves, Corella, and Sheffield likely lads The Reytons all impressing. Surrounded by the dense treeline, the Woodlands Stage hosted Irish shoegaze quartet NewDad on Saturday evening.
Welsh Indie prodigy The Royston Club attracted a sizeable following, with fans spilling out from beneath the Calling Out canvas. Urban legend The Streets shutdown Saturday night with a rowdy headline outing, proving age is no object.
Australian surf rockers Royel Otis chased away the rain on Sunday with a stirring cover of ‘Linger’ by The Cranberries. Meanwhile, former Manchester United footballer Gary Neville went back-to-back with The Charlatans’ Tim Burgess for a unique set behind the decks.
Scottish cult hero Paolo Nutini closed the curtain on Sunday night with a two-hour anthology set and a blinding fireworks display.
Kendal Calling will return in August 2025, celebrating the 20th edition of the festival.
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