After growing from humble beginnings as a 900 capacity gathering at Abbot Hall Park in Kendal, Kendal Calling has announced the initial line-up drop for the festival’s 20th birthday celebrations. Courteeners, Fatboy Slim, The Prodigy and Kaiser Chiefs top next summer’s birthday bill as headliners. Plus, tons more artists, and much more to be discovered in the hallowed fields of Lowther Deer Park.
Tickets for Kendal Calling went on sale in August and demand has surpassed all expectations. Fans have snapped up their Kendal Calling tickets at record speed with over 70% of tickets sold already.
Courteeners made waves with their unforgettable 2019 Kendal Calling debut, captivating the crowd. Frontman Liam Fray said, “Our set in 2019 was electric and was, so I’m told, one of the biggest singalongs Kendal Calling has ever witnessed. So it goes without saying that we can’t wait to get back on the main stage, playing to 40,000 of you lovely lot. And as if that wasn’t enough, we’ve got 20 years of Kendal to celebrate, too. It’s going to be massive.”
Elsewhere on the line-up, The Last Dinner Party make their Kendal debut following a smash year, named BRITs Rising Star 2024 and scoring a #1 debut album with Prelude to Ecstasy. They’re joined on the bill by legendary Scottish rockers Travis with anthems including “Why Does It Always Rain on Me?” plus very special guest and long-time part of the Kendal family, Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls who’ll bring folk-punk charm to the stage, complete with his storytelling lyricism.
Frank Turner said, “I first played Kendal Calling all the way back in 2009, and they’ve had me back 5 times since, and now again for 2025, so I think they must like me. Which is a relief, because I bloody love them; the quintessential independent UK festival, great vibes, great people, great music, year after year. I’m beyond flattered to be there for the 20th instalment; long may they reign.”
Rising rockers The K’s, Reverend & The Makers, and The Pigeon Detectives promise life-affirming performances, and pop icons Daniel Bedingfield and Pixie Lott certain to bring their unforgettable chart topping hits to the stage. Again, Tim Burgess teams up with the Royal Northern College of Music Orchestra for a truly unique set, and Inspiral Carpets are set to add a nostalgic vibe. Alfie Templeman, The Big Moon, The Royston Club, and Nieve Ella, will showcase their breakout sounds alongside veteran favourites Lindisfarne, The Skints, and of course Sports Team making this year’s festival a true celebration of all kinds of musical styles and genres. And Kendal Calling’s late-night offerings will keep attendees grooving until the early hours. Mr Scruff promises to take fans on a journey of his genre-blending mixes, dynamic mashups from DJ Yoda and the freshest live dance from local act Lowes. The full line up (with more to come) for Kendal Calling 2025 can be found here.
Andy Smith, Kendal Calling co-founder said, “I can’t quite believe that we’re about to celebrate twenty years of Kendal Calling. From humble beginnings welcoming 900 party goers to Kendal’s Abbot Hall, to an astonishing 40,000 of you who turn out every year to revel in the sheer joy and excitement of the perfect party, a glorious gathering in the fields of Lowther Deer Park – wow. Reflecting on the journey so far, the moments made and the community created, it really is quite emotional and remarkably special. It’s also the perfect excuse for our biggest party to date! Let’s come together to celebrate 20 marvellous years, joined by headliners Courteeners, Fatboy Slim, The Prodigy, Kaiser Chiefs and so many more. These are some of my favourite acts ever and I was thinking just last night, it might be Halloween but it feels like Christmas! I’m so excited to see you all next summer in the place we love to call home – the fields.”
Over the past two decades, the festival has hosted acts from Mumford & Sons to Kasabian, Blondie to Nile Rodgers & Chic, evolving into one of the UK’s most beloved summer events.
