Kendal Calling is back for another jaw-dropping year of music. With last year being the 20th anniversary since the festival’s inception back in 2006, you’d be forgiven for thinking that is hard to beat. Nonetheless, an unbelievable line up awaits us for the 21st edition of Kendal Calling this year. Bring The Noise has a front row seat covering all the action over the weekend.
Thursday
Thursday isn’t usually a day you would associate with the beginning of a festival. However, Kendal Calling have opened their gates and are more than ready to welcome the revellers for the weekend. With music lined up from indie-sensations The Kooks and the Cribs coupled with enough stalls to tantalise any shopping habits and perhaps purchase the obligatory bucket hat, festival goers will feel suitably prepared for the weekend ahead.
Having navigated the festival site successfully, and battled through the crowds, the main stage was the first stop. With the sun low in the sky and dusk approaching indie sensations Cribs to to the main stage here at Kendal Calling. Having gained popularity in the mid-2000’s with their blend of DIY indie, they are sure to get the Kendal crowd warmed up for the weekend.
As Cribs begin their set this evening it seems by the time I’m a Realist is played, pockets of the audience are already thrashing about. Festivals and the Cribs go hand in hand, the copious amounts of alcohol everywhere and the raucous edge the Cribs deliver make for a strong performance. The set list heavily leans into there first two albums which continue to be popular with the audience. Although it is early on in the weekend, the audience continue to bring the energy the Cribs performance warrants tonight. Be Safe, Men’s Needs and I’m a Realist deserve a special mention this evening.
Although a little older and almost twenty years in from their inception, this was a set packed full of hits and boundless energy from the Cribs. Stand out tracks: Be Safe, Mens Needs, I’m A Realist.
As the sun sets in Lowther Deer Farm this evening, The Kooks prepare to close the opening day of the festival and set the standard for the remainder of the weekend. In similar fashion to the Cribs, the headliners this evening gained huge popularity with their quirky indie songs in the mid 2000’s. With Luke Pritchard still at the helm of the band after multiple decades. The audience are certainly in for a lively performance tonight.
Pritchard bounds on stage with the enthusiasm that made The Kooks such a force in the early 2000’s. Pritchard still models the skinny jeans with effortless cool. With various line up changes during the years, The Kooks have found a sweet spot it seems. Tonight at Kendal Calling the performance is as clinical and professional as ever. Pritchard’s vocals don’t waiver throughout the entire performance tonight. He continues to play with the crowd instructing them to clap along to the music. Pritchard displays confidence in abundance this evening. He explains The Kooks are celebrating twenty years of Inside Out, showing enormous gratitude to the Kendal Calling crowd this evening. Then launching into She Moves in Her Own Way. The Kendal Calling crowd continues the vocal after the song has finished. Ensuring the atmosphere is maintained throughout the performance.
The performance weaves between heavier ensembles and the classic indie songs that The Kooks have built their reputation on. Even though tonight is a celebration of The Kooks’ extensive back catalogue over the past two decades, they feature some new material from the most recent offering Sunny Baby released back in 2025.
See Me Now also holds a prominent place in the set with torches aloft. Pritchard explains how he wrote the song for his father who he lost at the at the tender age of three. Normal order resumes with Seaside, Sway and finishing a stellar performance with Naïve.
A performance celebrating two decades navigating an ever changing industry. A well worthy headline performer to kick the weekend off in style. Stand out tracks: Sway, See Me Now, Naïve. 8/10
Friday
Kendal Calling welcomes revellers back for a second day of festivities. Lowther Deer Farm welcomes Irish headliners Two Door Cinema Club, The Vaccines, Scottish indie outfit The Snuts and Liverpudlian 90’s band The Coral among many others across the sprawling site this weekend.
On a now scorching summer’s day here at Lowther Deer Farm, Glaswegian outfit The Snuts are the first act we are lucky enough to catch on Friday at Kendal Calling. With a short introduction, The Snuts waste no time in getting started with their viral hit Gloria. As the band begin, hordes of people begin to flood the front of the stage to catch a glimpse of the Scottish rockers.
Getting the audience warmed up falls to lead vocalist Jack Cochrane who exclaims “Kendal Calling, how the fuck are we doing?”. Speech is kept to a bare minimum as the band rattle through their ever-growing back catalogue. The lead singer pays homage to the festival, as back in 2019 they played Kendal Calling as their first festival, also highlighting the sharp rise in The Snuts success over recent years.
Glasgow needs no introduction from the band, as the crowd make their elation known from their enthusiastic reaction. The viral hit Gloria, Glasgow and Always deserve a mention during the set on Kendal Calling’s main stage today.
An assured a confident performance at Kendal Calling, which will only increase the their popularity going forward as a band. Stand out tracks: Glasgow, Gloria, Always 7/10
We cemented our place by the main stage for the arrival of The Vaccines. Gaining immense popularity during the mid 2000’s, with their album What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?, the band are famed for ferocious live performances. The Kendal Calling audience will be in for some sure fire indie anthems for the next hour.
After a short introduction, The Vaccines saunter on stage with the effortless cool they have mastered over the years. After two short numbers The Vaccines launch with full gusto into Post Break Up Sex. After furiously blasting though the short tracks, Wetsuit commences the sing along we’re sure The Vaccines were hoping for.
A band with The Vaccines’ status are well used to audiences of this magnitude and the relaxed figures they portray on stage mirror this. Keeping the Kendal Calling crowd engaged throughout the performance as they rattle through their extensive back catalogue from years passed. Tracks worth mentioning are, Wetsuit, Post Break Up Sex, and If You Wanna.
A stand out performance so far this weekend at Kendal Calling from veterans of the festival scene. Stand out tracks: If You Wanna, Post Break Up Sex, Wetsuit 8/10
We hot footed from the main stage through the endless sea of people towards Parklands Stage. Sheltered from the relentless rain, we were housed inside a large tent to witness Ash.
Famed for hits such as Burn Baby Burn and Shining Light, for some people here this evening it will be a nostalgic trip. Formed in 1990 the Northern Irish rock band rose to prominence with Free All Angels and two years later released the album Meltdown which made the band a household name and we’re sure will bring back some memories for the fans here at Kendal Calling tonight.
What struck us most about Ash’s appearance on stage this evening is the phenomenal sound they produce from such a small stage set up. Witnessing the performance tonight, the vocal and band dynamics seem as fresh as they did nearly two decades ago, which is an absolute testament to the band’s talent over the years.
The energy between the band and the Kendal Calling crowd crammed into the Parklands tent remains high throughout the performance tonight. If there was to be a minor criticism however, it would be that the vocals tend to be overpowered by the instruments at times. Nonetheless, this could potentially be down to the live mixing.
Naturally Burn Baby Burn and Shining Light received the largest reactions this evening. A performance of the highest energy and deafening at times, however we think Ash gave everything they had this evening at Kendal Calling and the crowd reciprocated. Stand Out Tracks: Burn Baby Burn, Shining Light, Girl From Mars 7/10
Bringing Kendal Calling to a close on Friday night falls to the Northern Irish band Two Door Cinema Club. With the main stage almost at full capacity, the indie anthems are almost ready to be rung out to a 40,000 strong crowd.
I Can Talk features early on in the set, which takes the biting chill out of the air for many as they start to move to the music. The indie anthems that Two Door Cinema Club have gained so much popularity creating over the decades keep on coming this evening, much to the delight of the Kendal Calling crowd.
A mention must go to the incredible vocal harmonies between the band members tonight, there is not a single harmony out of place. Two Door Cinema Club continue to tantalise the crowd with This Is The Life much to their continued enjoyment.
“Kendal Calling you sexy beasts,” exclaims lead vocalist Alex Timble to a raucous reaction from the crowd. He continues mentioning that this year is a special anniversary of their very first album that started life in a garage in Northern Ireland. A far cry from a headline performance at Kendal Calling this evening.
Continuing to encapsulate the crowd with their performance, Two Door Cinema Club perform their extensive back catalogue here at Kendal Calling.
A Northern Irish band who came from humble beginnings and now have decades of experience within the industry. Two Door Cinema Club are worthy headliners on the main stage here at Kendal Calling with a flawless performance from start to finish. Stand out tracks: This is The Life, I Can Talk. Undercover Martyn. 9/10
Saturday
As the hangovers begin to subside from Two Door Cinema Club’s headline set last night, Kendal Calling gears up for another day of exceptional musical talent. Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro hold the privilege of gracing the main stage at Kendal Calling this evening.
The first port of call today is Kendal Calling’s Main Stage for indie rock quartet The Hunna. Hailing from Watford the band have gained traction in recent years with their popular singles Bonfire and Never Enough. There’s ferocious energy mainly channelled from the lead singer Ryan Potter. The band’s arrival in the main stage this afternoon has certainly woken up the crowd as any hangovers would be cured with the sheer volume of noise. Surprisingly, the crowd are enthusiastic getting involved from the outset.
The Hunna’s sound is exceptionally heavy, similar to that of tonight’s headliner Biffy Clyro. As The Hunna continue to burn through the set list the crowd continue to be high spirits on the main stage at Kendal today.
For a mid-afternoon performance at Kendal Calling, it has re-energised the crowd and certainly woken up any stragglers who are still struggling from the previous night. Potter announced today that Kendal Calling will be the last festival as The Hunna, clearly getting quite emotional at the thought. He continues to mention they have been doing this for ten years or more and it seems like a perfect opportunity to see what else life will offer to them. A sad statement from a band with clear talents. Nonetheless, an incredible, powerful and at points emotional last performance from The Hunna this afternoon. Stand out tracks: She’s Casual, Bonfire, You & Me 6/10
Liverpudlian singer-songwriter Jamie Webster takes to the main stage today at Kendal Calling. Best known for his blend of indie-folk music he gained popularity writing music related to Liverpool FC.
Getting carried along by the rush to the main stage to see Jamie Webster this week evening, we managed to find a suitable viewing spot. Webster seems to be in good spirits as he interacts with a now bustling audience. He continues to interact with the crowd citing proudly he’s from Liverpool, to a chorus of boos before beginning We Get By.
Webster continues to rattle through his lively and uplifting brand of folk, which is almost impossible not to move to. It’s clear that Webster is a confident guy as no nerves are present, as he begins Suns Out in The City, much to the delight of the crowd here this evening on the Kendal Calling main stage. Small Town Life encapsulates day to day life in a small town. A relevant song to play here amongst many of the quaint towns in the Lake District. The humour and interactions continue as Webster plays through his set this evening. A confident and lively performance that was loved by the audience this evening. Stand out tracks: Small Town Life, Across The River, This Place, Paradise
We stacked out the same position for The Libertines in the main stage this evening. Needing no introduction, Pete Doherty and co sit just below Biffy Clyro on the bill tonight due to their huge popularity and unrivalled success during the mid 2000’s. Excitement and anticipation is at fever pitch for this set tonight on the main stage.
Although slightly older these days, the chemistry between Carl Barat and Pete Doherty is the same as it always was, an almost telepathic knowledge between the two of them. Likely Lads makes an appearance early on in the set, much to the crowds delight. There’s no need for The Libertines to instruct the crowd to join in, as the audience exercise their vocal chords from the very start of their set.
Clad in leather jackets and skinny jeans, it harks back to the indie-sleaze era that The Libertines made their name from. Pete Doherty remains in his trademark flat cap throughout tonight’s performance, however he has swapped the trademark trilby to a sophisticated flat cap these days.
It is a testament to their talent that tonight the performance transports the audience back to the early Libertines tracks, the vocals and musical arrangements are note perfect throughout. There is nothing else to say except this was a perfect, nostalgic and uniting moment for everyone here at Kendal Calling tonight. Stand out tracks: Can’t Stand Me Now, Likely Lads, Don’t Look Back Into The Sun 9/10
And so, Saturday night at Kendal Calling is close to an end. However, before we say goodbye to Lowther Deer Farm for another day, Biffy Clyro have the honour of closing the festival on the main stage.
The Scottish rockers are no strangers to performances of this magnitude, so tonight should be no different. Formed in Kilmarnock in 1995, Biffy Clyro have made themselves a household name over the years. Famed for their thunderous performances, Saturday night at Lowther Deer Farm should be of the same ilk.
Beginning with pyrotechnics and a shirtless Simon Neil – a trademark he has cemented over the years – The Captain starts the show with a tempo that will only continue. As Biffy Clyro keep the tempo high as they thunder at pace through their extensive back catalogue, the excitable crowd are packed into every inch of space to catch a glimpse of the Scottish rockers.
Neil is then handed a flamethrower which he wields around the stage in a frantic fashion, all while maintaining the charismatic edge that has made him and his band mates popularity soar over the decades.
In addition to an exceptional performance by Biffy Clyro this evening, the stunning light show and outstanding pyrotechnics also deserve a mention. The hits keep on coming from the headliners tonight, much to the delight of the Kendal Calling crowd. Mountains, Many of Horror and The Captain are prominent points in the set tonight.
A drop in tempo allows Biffy Clyro to showcase their songs of a slower disposition, of which there aren’t many. Tonight has been a masterclass in high quality performance from start to finish, with visuals that enhance an already exceptional set. A ferocious headliner well worthy of closing Saturday night at Kendal Calling. Stand out tracks: Many of Horror, Mountains, The Captain 10/10
Sunday
As Lowther Deer Farm hosts the final day of Kendal Calling, it has been an exceptional weekend of music. After a successful year touring their new album The Clearing and becoming Brit Award winners, the honour of closing Kendal Calling this year falls to Wolf Alice.
Nonetheless, before the finale this evening, there is plenty of music left to see throughout the day.
The main stage is where we find ourselves to experience Irish rock band Florence Road. Formed in County Wicklow in 2013, the quartet gained traction in 2025 with the release of their single Heavy. Today is an opportunity for the band gain further popularity as they take their infectious blend of grunge pop to the main stage at Kendal Calling.
Florence Road waste no time commencing the show, a simple “Hello Kendal Calling” signals the arrival of the all female group. Before playing the ever popular Storm Warnings. The Irish quartet are popular amongst the Kendal Calling crowd, with the enthusiasts screaming the words in unison while sandwiched near the stage. Lead vocalist Lily Aron, shows off her impressive vocal range on Goodnight. Florence Road continue to power through the set with an effortless amount of cool. To get the crowd engaged, Aron encourages the crowd to dance during the ear worm that is Surprise Surprise.
A confident, and self assured performance by Florence Road here at Kendal Calling today. Stand out tracks: Hanging Out To Dry, Rabbits Can Swim, Storm Warnings 7/10
With fancy dress Sunday in full flow at Kendal Calling today, The Lathums take to the main stage. With the stage somewhat less busy then previous points over the weekend then crowd remaining here at Kendal Calling seem to be delighted to be here witnessing the catchy indie numbers they are performing.
As the set progresses festival goers filter in with beverages, parking themselves on the parched grass to sit and enjoy the last hours of Kendal Calling. The performance weaves between indie belters and acoustic ballads, giving the crowds vocal chords a momentary rest in between tracks.
The Wigan-based band are gaining rapid popularity with their catchy brand of indie-pop, this performance on the main stage will only enhance their popularity going forward in their career.
Lead singer Alex Moore introduces the newest single Vice Versa, which rightly receives a fantastic reaction from a now growing crowd. A fantastic performance here on the main stage today at Kendal Calling by The Lathums, which will only increase the band’s popularity. Stand out tracks: Heartbreaker, Vice Versa, The Great Escape 7/10
The final act of the festival is nearly upon us. As the weekend comes to a close it celebrates a wonderful weekend of music in one of the most beautiful settings in the UK. Wolf Alice have the honour of closing tonight’s festival.
The audience will be in store for a fun-filled performance from the recent Brit Award winners. Arriving on stage to a shimmering back drop, Wolf Alice stroll on to commence their headline performance.
Lead vocalist Ellie Rowsell exercises her falsetto vocals during opening track Bloom Baby Bloom. Dressed in a leather ensemble Rowsell looks effortlessly classy. As Wolf Alice progress through the performance tonight, a heavy portion of the tracks come from the award-winning album The Clearing.
The set weaves it’s way through Wolf Alice’s diverse album collection, keeping the crowd engaged throughout the performance, chat it kept to a minimum. Rowsell takes a look around the audience tonight, commenting she likes the signs, before beginning Just Two Girls.
Potentially the only negative this evening is the crowd is somewhat depleted by the mass exodus this morning. A shame for Wolf Alice as the performance is outstanding tonight.
A exceptional cover Smells Like Teen Spirit by nineties grunge band Nirvana takes the crowd by surprise and receives a huge reaction. Bros, from the album My Love Is Cool, features a montage of the band from their inception to present day – a wonderful moment to see how far Wolf Alice have come over their long and illustrious career until tonight, headlining the main stage and closing the festival on Sunday evening at Kendal Calling.
A performance of the highest standard from a band who are worthy of closing such a prestigious festival. Stand out tracks: Don’t Delete The Kisses, Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana cover), Yuk Foo 10/10
Written by: Ben Gilligan
