The theme for music festival Kendal Calling this year has been revealed.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, organisers of the sold out event said the theme was good times and for the milestone year, the festival’s home at Lowther Deer Park, near Penrith, will be transformed into an immersive homage to some of the biggest celebrations of the year.
As festivalgoers wander around the arena during the event from July 31 to August 3, they’ll be treated to a whirlwind tour of the greatest parties on earth, organisers said.
Each area of the site is set to be transformed for the ultimate celebration; from birthdays to weddings, Halloween hauntings to festive Christmas cheer, the fields of Kendal Calling are set to come alive with colour, costume and surprise.
Kendal Calling said: “The heart of the festival – Kendal’s iconic Main Stage – becomes a birthday bash like no other.
“Expect balloons, streamers, party hats, and an almighty 40,000 person-strong sing along.
“Over at Parklands, things are getting spooky! The stage is set for a Halloween takeover with creepy decor and eerie entertainment.
“It’ll be a holly jolly time in Calling Out – whether it’s snow-dusted trees, carol-worthy singalongs, or yuletide surprises, Kendal promises nothing less than pure Christmas magic – no matter the month.
!Every night is New Year’s Eve at The Town Hall, with glitter, glitz and countdowns galore. Festival goers – Kendal implores you to raise a glass, and dance like it’s turned midnight.
“Love is in the air at the Picturehouse where roses are red and violets are blue. Loved-up attendees can soak up the romantic vibes and slow-dance moments. Single? Taken? Just here for the good times? There’s plenty to fall head over heels for here.
“The Stagger Inn will channel the spirit of the Emerald Isle. The festival’s own pub will be brimming with Irish cheer for a St Paddy’s knees-up like no other.
“The Soapbox stage becomes an Easter extravaganza, with bright springtime energy, and a few egg-cellent surprises, too. Desert Island Disco becomes a celebration of love, complete with over 100 mirrorballs, and plenty of dancefloor declarations as it transforms into an epic Wedding-themed extravaganza.”
Attendees are encouraged to don their best Halloween get-up, dust off that Santa suit, hop to it in their Easter best, or glam up in some sequinned NYE sparkle.
Tor Byrnes, programming co-ordinator at Kendal Calling, said: “Everyone loves a party and we can’t wait to transform Kendal Calling into the biggest celebration in the Lake District, combining everyone’s favourite annual.
“So go and grab your best outfit, gather your crew and get ready to join together for a truly special birthday bash! It’s shaping up to be a 20th Anniversary like no other, and we can’t wait to get back into the fields to show you what we’ve been working on!”
The line-up includes Courteeners, Fatboy Slim, The Prodigy and Kaiser Chiefs, The Last Dinner Party, Travis, The Wombats, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, Jason Manford, The K’s, Skindred, Corinne Bailey Rae, The Lottery Winners, Maximo Park, Scouting For Girls and Tim Burgess.
