Kendal Calling SOLD OUT 19 Weeks In Advance

Kendal Calling SOLD OUT 19 Weeks In Advance

Kendal Calling festival is humbled to announce that its 10th anniversary show has sold out 19 weeks before the festival takes place in the Lake District.  With hundreds of fantastic artists taking to the stage over 4 days, festival goers have snapped up tickets for what is certain to be one of the highlights of the summer cultural calendar.

Kendal Calling promoter Andy Smith comments:

“Kendal Calling is all about the lovely people who attend the festival and this year you have excelled yourselves.  All the Kendal team are bowled over by your enthusiasm for this show we put on in the Lake District.  The last 10 years have been an incredible journey and whilst we continue to grow year on year, it's always been our mission to retain the look, feel and atmosphere that makes Kendal Calling so special.  We couldn't have done it without you so thanks from all the team and see you in the fields for what promises to be a very special 10th Birthday bash!”

Elbow, Snoop Dogg, Kaiser Chiefs, The Vaccines and James will headline this innovative, independent festival.  

To keep up to date with all Kendal Calling news including general ticket sale and line-up news sign up to the newsletter on the website, become a fan on Facebook and follow on twitter @KendalCalling

Kendal Calling almost sold out / Grandmaster Flash confirmed as special guest

Kendal Calling almost sold out / Grandmaster Flash confirmed as special guest

Tickets for Kendal Calling’s 10th birthday celebrations are almost sold out and promoters are urging anyone wishing to attend to purchase tickets asap to avoid disappointment.  The festival has consistently sold out well in advance but this year is set to break all records as demand for the 4 day spectacular has reached unprecedented levels.

Hip Hop legend, Grandmaster Flash is confirmed as a special guest, bringing his pioneering sound to the Lake District masses.  Widely credited with creating the cut and mix style that grew out of the Bronx block parties, Grandmaster Flash was the first hip-hop artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll hall of fame.  He joins Elbow, Snoop Dogg, Kaiser Chiefs, The Vaccines, James and hundreds of other acts at one of the UK’s finest festivals.

Marking 10 years of unforgettable memories and breath-taking moments, Kendal Calling celebrates its 10th birthday spectacular in the stunning Lake District, This innovative, independent festival is renowned for more than just music and festival lovers will also enjoy 4 days of arts installations, gourmet food, kid’s entertainment and a real ale festival all within the confines of what is widely regarded to be the most beautiful festival site in the UK.

To keep up to date with all Kendal Calling news including general ticket sale and line-up news sign up to the newsletter on the website, become a fan on Facebook and follow on twitter @KendalCalling

PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED ARTISTS

ELBOW, SNOOP DOGG / KAISER CHIEFS / THE VACCINES / JAMES

KODALINE / THE LEVELLERS / THE HORRORS / ELLA EYRE / EMBRACE / NICK MULVEY / GROOVE ARMADA / LESS THAN JAKE / BILLY BRAGG / SOUL II SOUL / BRITISH SEA POWER / FUSE ODG / AUGUSTINES / LUCY ROSE / PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING / KATE TEMPEST / MR SCRUFF / EMMY THE GREAT / BIPOLAR SUNSHINE / THE BOHICAS / BONDAX AND FRIENDS /  REDLIGHT / SHY FX / FRICTION / DUTCH UNLES / SUNSET SONS / BLOSSOMS / MY NU LENG / JAGUAR SKILLS / PRINCE FATTY FEATURING HORSEMAN / PALACE  / TURBOWOLF / WALKING ON CARS / PORT ISLA / BLACK HONEY / FLYTE / HYDE & BEAST / REMI MILES / MAN MADE / TREASON KINGS / NIGHT FLOWERS / THE LANCASHIRE HOTPOTS

MR B THE GENTLEMAN RHYMER / LISBON / JEZ KERR / THE WATCHMAKERS / BAGGY MONDAYS / DAVE HASLAM / ACOUSTICA PRESENTS / RIDING THE LOW / FEED THE KID / JAMES ATKIN / GARETH BROOKS (XFM) / BEAT BOUTIQUE / JUICY DJS / GOOD VIBERATIONS / NORTHERN SOUL DANCE CLASSES / DJ MEGATUNE / EVERY PREGNANT BROTHERS / YUCATAN / MY LITTLE BROTHER’S CHRISTMAS PARTY / AVEC SANS / FREEK’N / NORTHSIDE

Kendal Calling announce more acts for 10th birthday bonanza

Kendal Calling announce more acts for 10th birthday bonanza

Full Weekend Tickets / Thursday Tickets / Monthly Payment Plan Tickets Available - http://www.kendalcalling.co.uk/tickets/

Marking 10 years of unforgettable memories and breath-taking moments, Kendal Calling confirms a host of new acts for its 10th birthday spectacular in the stunning Lake District.  Having expanded to 4 days and with Elbow, Snoop Dogg, Kaiser Chiefs, Vaccines and James headlining, this is by far the biggest Kendal Calling line up on the last decade.  Tickets for the festival have almost sold out and organisers urge anyone wishing to attend the festival to purchase their tickets as soon as possible.

Joining the main stage line-up are ska-punk superstars Less Than Jake, anthemic rockers Augustines, Irish folk-pop duo Hudson Taylor, Manchester psych-rockers Blossoms and the piano-led rock of Sunset Sons.

Indie-pop five piece Dutch Uncles, Boxed In, Flyte, Port Isla, Seafret and Tuff Love join the Calling Out line up.

As ever the Glow tent will be packed to the rafters with the finest in electronic music. Heading up the line-up are electronic duo and ‘Superstylin’ hit makers Groove Armada who will perform a DJ set. They will be joined by drum and bass don Shy FX, the unique three-deck sounds of Friction, dubstep and house from Redlight and the cut and paste mashups of Jaguar Skills. Also appearing are Krafty vs A Skillz, My Nu Leng, Gotsome, Wookie B2B DJ Q, Bontan, DJ Marky, Kurupt FM and Alex Adair.  Very special guests are yet to be announced for the Glow Tent.

Local heroes Bondax and Friends will take over the Glow Tent for a day with the Lancashire future garage duo returning to curate a line-up including Maribou State, Kidnap Kid, Monki and Jax Jones.

Tim Peaks returns for 2015 with a selection of QandA’s, secret sets and special guests as well as some damn fine coffee and the best cherry pie in town. Head over there to catch intimate appearances from Prince Fatty feat Horseman, Blossoms, Drohne, Hot Vestry, Professor Tim O’Brien, Tony Husband, Riding The Low, Mrs Boons Tea Party, Dave Haslam, Chris ‘The Hawk’ Hawkins as well as Britpoporama with Karl Yates.

Kendal favourite Mr Scruff heads up the Chai line-up alongside Onra, Melt Yourself Down, Richie Campbell, Fingathing, Syd Arthur, Babyhead, Stuff, Cocos Lovers, Hermigervill, Sheelanagig, Bombs, Count Bobo, Tezeta, Kinkajous and Aaron and Kit.

The House Party will host a Hacienda special with Jon Da Silva and Dave Haslam, Baggy Mondays, Juicy 90’s Hip-Hop special, Will Tramps!, Beat Boutique, The Power Ballad Salad.and many more.

Set in the stunning surrounds of the Lake District, this innovative, independent festival is renowned for more than just music and festival lovers will also enjoy 4 days of arts installations, gourmet food, kid’s entertainment and a real ale festival all within the confines of what is widely regarded to be the most beautiful festival site in the UK.

Kendal Calling was one of the first UK festivals to sell out last year, a record 9 weeks in advance of the festival so very early booking is strongly advised..

To keep up to date with all Kendal Calling news including general ticket sale and line-up news sign up to the newsletter on the website, become a fan on Facebook and follow on twitter @KendalCalling

Elbow, Snoop Dogg, Kaiser Chiefs, The Vaccines And James Headline Kendal Calling

Elbow, Snoop Dogg, Kaiser Chiefs, The Vaccines And James Headline Kendal Calling

Festival Dates: 30th July- 2nd August 2015

Lowther Deer Park / Hackthorpe / The Lake District

www.kendalcalling.co.uk

Tier 3 Full Weekend Camping Tickets £130 On Sale Tuesday 17th February at 9AM

February Ticket Payment Plan / Tickets £28.84 per month

http://www.ticketline.co.uk/kendal-calling-tickets/

Marking 10 years of unforgettable memories and breath-taking moments, Kendal Calling is proud to announce the first details of its birthday celebrations with its biggest line-up to date.

It is with great delight that the festival welcomes Elbow to the Lake District for a northern festival exclusive.  One of the most beloved and revered British acts of recent times, Elbow will headline the main stage in the fashion which has seen them rise over six studio albums  to become arena-filling voices of the nation. Their tales of love and wonder are sure to echo around the Lake District, and their headline performance will be a defining moment in a decade of Kendal Calling history.

Hip Hop phenomenon Snoop Dogg will make a headline appearance on the Sunday.  Snoop has sold over 30 million albums worldwide and will bring some Californian sunshine to the Lake District.  With an arsenal of hit singles and a reputation as one of the most powerful live bands in the country, Kaiser Chiefs are an explosive headline performer and are certain to see Kendal Calling out in fitting style.

Indie upstarts The Vaccines have cemented their position as the most exciting young band in British music. They burst onto the scene in 2011 quickly rising through the ranks with two hugely commercially successful albums and their new album English Graffiti is due out this year. 

The return of James to Kendal Calling for the 10th anniversary celebrations sees these quixotic Mancunians close the festival on the Thursday.  James have had a staggering 30 year career and their huge catalogue of sing-along anthems is sure to provide a remarkable finale to the first ever Thursday night festivities.

Other main stage highlights from the first announcement include acclaimed singer-songwriter and Mercury Award nominee Nick Muvley, psychedelic rockers, The Horrors, Brit-Award winning songstress Ella Eyre, political bard Billy Bragg, edgy folk star Lucy Rose and the folk confessionals of Emmy The Great.  Kodaline will be bringing their epic stadium rock to the lakes to compliment indie stalwarts Embrace, pioneering British club act Soul II Soul, classic British rockers the Levellers and UK Afrobeat artist and TINA pioneer Fuse ODG.

The phenomenal Public Service Broadcasting will headline in the Calling Out stage. Other acts performing here include 2014’s breakout rapper and poet Kate Tempest, Bipolar Sunshine, Hyde and  Beast, Black Honey and many more. 

Local heroes British Sea Power make a welcome return having played the very first Kendal Calling festival 10 year ago and they will headline the beautiful Woodlands stage.  It wouldn’t be Kendal Calling without an appearance from veteran tea drinker and musical maverick Mr Scruff and a full dance programme of the most pioneering electronic music is due to be announced in the much revered Glow Tent.

This is just the beginning!  Many more acts will be announced including the full Glow Tent, Calling Out, Chai Wallah and Woodlands line-up’s and much, much more.

KODALINE / THE LEVELLERS / THE HORRORS / ELLA EYRE / EMBRACE / NICK MULVEY / BILLY BRAGG / SOUL II SOUL / BRITISH SEA POWER / FUSE ODG / LUCY ROSE / PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING / KATE TEMPEST / MR SCRUFF / EMMY THE GREAT / BIPOLAR SUNSHINE / THE BOHICAS / PALACE  / TURBOWOLF / WALKING ON CARS / PORT ISLA / BLACK HONEY / FLYTE / HYDE & BEAST / REMI MILES / MAN MADE / TREASON KINGS / NIGHT FLOWERS / THE LANCASHIRE HOTPOTS

MR B THE GENTLEMAN RHYMER / LISBON / JEZ KERR / THE WATCHMAKERS / BAGGY MONDAYS / DAVE HASLAM / ACOUSTICA PRESENTS / RIDING THE LOW / FEED THE KID / JAMES ATKIN / GARETH BROOKS (XFM) / BEAT BOUTIQUE / JUICY DJS / GOOD VIBERATIONS / NORTHERN SOUL DANCE CLASSES / DJ MEGATUNE / EVERLY PREGNANT BROTHERS / YUCATAN / MY LITTLE BROTHER’S CHRISTMAS PARTY / AVEC SANS / FREEK’N / NORTHSIDE

Bearded Theory festival Announce Headline Acts incl: James and Alabama 3

Bearded Theory festival Announce Headline Acts incl: James and Alabama 3

The unique, family friendly festival Bearded Theory are thrilled to announce what is their strongest line-up yet in 2015, their 8th year. Multi-million selling indie legends JAMES will now bring the festival to an emphatic close when they headline the festival on Sunday night. Fresh from a sold out UK tour, their 13th studio album La Petite Mort was released earlier this year to critical acclaim and hailed as one of the “Best Albums of 2014” by The Guardian featuring the singles ‘Moving On’, ’Frozen Britain’ ‘Curse Curse’ and 'All I'm Saying', all mainstays on BBC6 Music. 

Jim Glennie from James said: “It's a real pleasure to be asked to play at Bearded Theory 2015. I've heard great things about the festival and I appreciate the ethics and principles behind it. I'm thoroughly looking forward to it and I hope we can end the weekend with a bang”.

Steve Blount from Bearded Theory says “We are delighted to have secured arguably our biggest booking to date while freezing adult ticket prices and having reduced or frozen child ticket prices. 2015 is on course to be our quickest sell out in our history after 25% of our capacity sold on the first day tickets went on sale and with early bird tickets selling out in less than 4 minutes”.

Bearded Theory is a creative and performing arts family festival hosted in the heart of England at the picturesque Catton Park on the West Midlands and Staffordshire border. Hosted over 4 days, with a line up unrivalled against the ticket price and still allowing your own drinks into the arena, Bearded Theory remains the best value independent festival in the country. Bearded Theory remains independent and the organisers remain unsalaried and work fulltime. This means they can deliver the best festival experience possible against the ticket price.

The festival has set up home at Catton Park where the festival showcases 5 stages including a Woodland Stage celebrating the National Forest location, a dance arena, huge outdoor Main Stage and all with cutting edge production. The festival is hosted over Spring Bank Holiday 21st – 24th May 2015.

See more at: www.beardedtheory.co.uk/line-up

2015 Line up in full:

THE PALLET STAGE

Friday

The Mission, Alabama 3, Gun, Itch, Dizraeli and The Small Dogs, The Wakes

Saturday

New Model Army, Afro Celt Sound System, British Sea Power, The Mahones, Skinny Lister, Neck, Three Minute Heist,

Sunday

James, Buzzcocks, Misty In Roots, The Beat, Mad Professor + The Robotiks, Pronghorn, Back To The Planet, New Town Kings

MAGICAL SOUNDS STAGE

Friday

LAB4, Jah Scoop/ Geezer, Zion Train, Clumsy, Halcyon, Andy Haze, Chigs and Techip, Data 3, Drum Machine

Saturday

East Static, Green Nuns of the Revolution (DJ set), Cosmosis, Ed Tangent, Zetan Spore, Kristian, The Pressure Technique, Charlie H, Drum Machine

Sunday

Banco De Gaia, Merv Pepler (DJ set), Transglobal Underground, Black Star Liner (DJ set), Dr Trippy, Templehead, Grousebeater Soundsystem, Rev Phil Dread, Ushti Baba

THE WOODLAND STAGE

Friday

Jaya The Cat, The Talks, Pigbag, Kilnaboy, Tree House Fire, Captain Knives,

Saturday

Cara Dillon, Bill Smarme, The Jack Ratts, Louise Distras, The Leylines, Joe Zeffa, Mark Harrison, Troubadour,

Sunday

Paprika Corps, JB Conspiracy, P.A.I.N, Baba Jack, Mistys Big Adventure, Keiths Big Uke Jam, Superfast Girly Show, Please Y Self Skiffle Band, Mr Motivator

SOMETHING ELSE BIG TOP STAGE

Thursday

3 Daft Monkeys, Hobo Jones and The Junkyard Dogs, Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican, Zombie Met Girl

Friday

Radical Dance Faction, John Player Specials, Gaz Brookfield, Muff Said, Sweetchunks Band, Ash Victim, Ukulele Dave,

Saturday

Inner Terrestrials, Tarantism, Who Killed The Bear, Pure Evil, Demob, Muddy Summers & Gails Whores, Efa Supertramp

Sunday

AOS3, Stuart Turner and The Flat Earth, Society, Abdoujaparov, Skewwiff, Quercus Burlesque, Penny Orchids, Tez and The Suicidal Fish

www.beardedtheory.co.uk

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Buy tickets here

T in the Park 2014 - Saturday Review

T in the Park 2014 festival Saturday Review

We arrived at Balado (for the very last time due to it moving site) to grey clouds and the imminent arrival of rain but that wasn't letting anyone's spirits become dampened, no matter how soggy they may be about to get. As usual, the atmosphere was a buzz with anticipation of the fantastic Saturday line up. With so many talented artists participating this year, Music Mafia are bringing you what we considered the best of the best. 

Starting off we were heading over to the main stage when I was distracted by the music coming out of the BBC Introducing Stage where Brown Bear were the first act up and what a way to start. This Scottish based band were a brilliant choice to kick things off. Exuding energy, Brown Bear had the crowd bouncing along with their fresh indie rock songs and lead singer, Matt Hickman's distinctive vocals leaves you wanting more. You can understand why they were chosen to support The Libertines recent gig at Hyde Park. Check out their latest single Dead or Alive or the hauntingly melodic Olive Grove single to see why you should be keeping an ear out for these guys. You won't be disappointed.

Next up for us was a Liverpool favourite, Circa Waves in King Tuts Wah Wah Tent. Lead singer, Keiran Shudall has definitely matured in both music style and song writing over the last few years and although I absolutely loved the Fly With Vampire days, I am totally impressed with Circa Waves. New single Young Chasers and Stuck in my Teeth are an indication of why these guys are being heralded as the next big thing and are in such demand and its safe to say a true indie pop band has been born because of Keiran not willing to give up on his dream. With comparisons to The Libertines and The Strokes, they certainly have all the stage presence of a band that has been been around for a lot longer than 16 months. With an extremely busy schedule during festival time, supporting The Libertines and going on tour in November, there's no excuse to not catch them somewhere in the UK over the next few months.

Another young up and coming artist who we previously reviewed at this years Soundcity Liverpool, Chlöe Howl. A talented young singer songwriter whose vocals and lyrics surpass her 19 years of age. With a confident stage presence from the outset this young singer showcased powerful vocals with a touch of heartfelt mellowness when needed all wrapped up  with her 80's syntho pop style with a modern contemporary twist.

Next up was come back disco queen, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, who last appeared at T in the Park 18 years ago. With a new album out, Wanderlust, Sophie showcased her new album which has a slightly darker, more grown up sound and I have to admit, I preferred. Many of the tracks still have the upbeat pop style that has become synonymous with her music but with a rockier edge to them. I loved Love is a Camera,  fairytale about a witch who steals souls using a camera and 13 Little Dolls, a doozy of a song with a fast tempo and catchy lyrics that you find yourself singing later on that day.  With a quick on stage change of outfit and a few wolf whistles from the crowd, the disco queen emerged to wow the crowd with her extensive back catalogue, including Take Me Home and the huge hit Murder on the Dance Floor to name but a few. I think its safe to say that Sophie Ellis Better enjoyed her return to T in the Park just as much as her fans did. 

Carrying on with the dancier theme, we found Clean Bandit at the Radio 1 stage later that day with their fusion of funky dance, syntho pop and classical music. With one track blending flawlessly into the next they provided a good hour of fun and upbeat music including AandE, the infectious Running Around and of course show closer, their number one hit Rather Be. Even with the grey skies, they managed to lighten up the day with their unique style. 

Festival veterans and one of the original Indie legends James took to the main stage for a hour of crowd surfing, manic dancing, old favourites and brand new tracks from their new album La Petite Mort. There's not much you can say about James that hasn't been said already so how about they were absolutely amazing. After 20 odd years in the business, they still clearly love doing what they do and it shines out across the main stage area. Front man Tim Booths interaction with the crowd, zealous dancing and general fabulousness makes these a must to see at any chance you can get. Even suffering from "man flu" doesn't stop him. Ok his voice wasn't at full par because of it, but he refuses auto tuning so kudos to him for being real and still managing to be the bundle of energy we have all come to love. Playing new single Curse Curse along with Moving On and Frozen Britain from their new album, some might say that concentrating on new material may be a bit risque for an hour set, but they totally pulled it off. Mixing in Come Home, Laid and after a democratic vote by the crowd, Sit Down. Only quibble is the predictability of the crowd themselves. James have a vast back catalogue so give them a break and if you get to vote again.....choose the alternative. Thankfully no one sat down this time!!

Pharrell Williams arrived on stage to huge cheers and instantly started a high energy set with an array of hits including NERD classics, Daft Punk collaboration Get Lucky and of course his massive single Happy. No one was still during his set including Pharrell himself who wasn't going to let a "bit" of rain stop him entertaining the crowd. 

Between the two Saturday closers it was hard to choose who to see, so we had to split them up. Calvin Harris was on our first leg and boy are we glad we did it that way round. Who would have ever guessed that he would have Will Smith, yep that's right The Fresh Prince of Bell Air, to introduce him. Would have been nice for someone to tell him he was in Kinross, not Glasgow, but seeing as he travelled a whole lot of miles to get here , we'll forgive him for being about 30 miles out. Calvin Harris performed a fantastic set with the Fresh Prince by his side partying away to his greatest hits and so so many fireworks it was hard to tear ourselves away to from the party atmosphere to go and see one of our favourites a Elbow over at the Radio 1 stage.

Elbow performed a wonderfully chilled out set with all the classics we know and love including Bones of You and One Day Like This as well as some new material released this year. New York Morning being a particular favourite of mine. Front man Guy Garvey is an amazing performer and holds the crowd in the palm of his hand during each song and always makes you feel like he's talking to old friends when he interacts with the crowd and I'm glad we managed to wind down our Saturday in his company....the perfect ending to a perfect festival day.

Review by Alison GogginFor more photos of Saturday click HERE

Ian McCulloch Unveils New Album Holy Ghosts

Echo and The Bunnymen front man Ian McCulloch has announced the release of the stunning ‘Holy Ghosts’, featuring two discs representing different eras in Mac’s work.

The first is a collection of orchestral re-workings of classic Echo and The Bunnymen and solo tracks, originally recorded during McCulloch’s show at the Union Chapel last year. It will be released on Edsel Records on 22nd April 2013.

This hugely moving album is produced by Youth (Primal Scream/Depeche Mode/The Verve) and sounds simultaneously intimate and majestic with McCulloch’s voice full of raw emotion and all the more powerful for it. It also marks the beginning of an exciting new musical direction for the iconic singer.

The second disc is a new studio album ‘Pro Patria Mori’ that showcases ten new songs and completes a fantastic package.

McCulloch will be going out on tour in April when Echo and The Bunnymen begin a UK co-headline tour with James. Tour dates are as follows.

Echo and The Bunnymen and James Tour

April 2012

13th – Glasgow
15th – Newcastle Academy
16th – Sheffield Academy
17th – Bristol
19th – London Brixton Academy
20th – London Brixton Academy
22nd – Bournemouth O2 Academy
23rd – Leeds Academy
25th – Birmingham Academy
26th – Manchester Academy

Kendal Calling 2012 - Review

Kendal Calling returned to Lowther Deer Park in the Lake District with an almighty vengance this year, and brought with it 10,000 very happy festival folk to party with it for the weekend. With it's increased populous, we saw the site bigger and better than ever, including a new tent, Chai Wallahs, new area called The Woodlands, were you could bop away at the silent disco, Tim Peaks diner, brain child of Tim Burgess, from The Charlatans, who created a place to chill, eat and listen to Edwin Collins and Nick Heyward perform an acoustic set, a real ale festival within a festival, including a very aptly named beer for myself, “Dizzy Blonde”, so many food stalls from around the world and a couple of fair ground rides, including the helter skelter, which we had to have a few goes on, more sculptures, including "Wooden Man", Iron Man's greener brother rocking out on his guitar and so many cartoon characters thanks to Saturday's fancy dress theme. I don't think I've ever seen so many Dennis the Menace's gathered in one place, definitely makes a change from Where’s Wally. The Beano Club, would be have been proud!!

Our festival began on the Thursday, courtesy of the early bird option, which I always love as it gives you a good chance to peruse the place, before mayhem ensues, and see the quirky acts, including fire act, GeoFest Collective, who bring it back to basics, with a hypnotic primal feel to their performances thanks to the drum and bongo players and the extremely talented fire artists who had their own area this year, just wish they hadn't been tucked out the way so much this year.

Anyway, back to the main reason we were there, the music, and what a line up it was this year. With Friday's headliners Maximo Park, who even though were missing drummer Tom English, who was celebrating the birth of his baby, congratulations by the way, still ripped up the place on Friday night with a full rock onslaught including firm favourites "Girls Who Play Guitars", "The Kids Are Sick Again" and "Our Velocity" as well as some new tracks from their latest album, "The National Health" which sounds like it's going to be as big a hit as the rest of their back catalogue, going by how well it received from the crowd. 

Saturday's main stage brought a little bit of everything for us music lovers with 90's indie band Dodgy playing a laid back set including "Staying Out The For The Summer" and new material from "Stand Upright In A Cool Place". Have to say I loved "Only a Heartbeat" which has a 70's Beatles sound to it. 

Up and coming star, Juan Zelada, played not one, but two sets back to back, one on the main stage and one in the brand new Chai Wallahs tent, and both sets went down an absolute storm, so much so, people left the main stage to catch him play again and I can understand why. With an eclectic mix of funk, blues, soul and a Jerry Lee Lewis style piano playing all rounded up with a fabulous vocal range, that can go from mellow and laid back to smokey blues you cannot help but be drawn into this high energy performance and find your ass shaking along to . You can see that Juan clearly loves what he is doing and thrives on crowd participation and the crowd definitely love him. I've got to say, this was one of the best performances of the whole weekend.

We then had a quick jogback to the main stage for Glasgow born and bred band The View, who do what they do best, get the crowd jumping and bouncing along, especially to the very much loved and very apt for a festival, "Same Jeans"

Headlining the main stage on Saturday, was the man who brought us the brain itch of a song, "Bonkers", yes that's right Dizzee Rascal, who put on one hell of show to end Saturday night, with a whole lot of instructions to "bounce" and "jump" coinciding with flares and fireworks going off, took us right back to the beginning and performed a wide array of his hits, which, I didn't realise, are hell of a lot, including, Jus a Rascal", "Road Rage"and "Dance Wiv Me". He also performed the Olympics song he wrote, "Scream" with the main bulk of the vocals performed by Dizzee's young protege "Pepper" whose vocals flowed over the crowd effortlessly. He ended his performance with, yep you guessed it that little brain itch ditty I mentioned before "Bonkers" and we can confirm that the vibrations felt throughout Lowther and the nearby towns was from the crowd bouncing as one for all their worth, not a mini earthquake!

Pretty soon Sunday was upon us and to be honest excited was not the word, not because it was the last day, but my favourite band in the world when I was 14/15 were headlining the main stage but I had a lot of great bands to while away the hours till then. So thank you to Manchester band, Twisted Wheel, who gave a rockin performance, even though the crowd were a bit subdued and pretty tired looking, but that didn’t stop a majority of them dancing and singing along while shouting “Wheeeaal” inbetween some of their best numbers, including, ”Strife”, “You Stole the Sun” and “Dirty Rock n Rolla”. At least they got away without being accosted by hundreds of Wheel fans who hijacked the stage the last time I saw them. You’ve got to love those Wheel fans.

Inspiral Carpets played a fab set, full of guitar riffs, big grins, Manchester accents and “This Is How It Feels To Be Lonely”. I have to admit I can’t really remember them sounding so rocky but it definitely works. This is one band from the 90’s Manchester music scene that have improved with age, both musically and vocally.

They were followed by Feeder, a band that can rock any stage anytime anywhere. From the opening number, “Am I Just Like You” and “Fight the Feeling”to their new material including “Tiny Minds” and new single “Idaho” (out this month) which is still full of heady drum beats and the grinding guitar riffs that they are synonymous with, but has a happy catchy note to it, that instantly grabs your attention.

And finally the band I’d been waiting for, with trumpets, Tim Booth’s mad dancing and the sound of “woooo hoooo hooo hoooooo hooooooo” it could only mean one thing, James have finally hit Kendal Callings main stage. Playing new and old material, including, “Born of Frustration”, “Waterfall” and “Johhny Yen” which he paid tribute to the “27 club”. Every song was met with enthusiasm, happiness, dancing and applause from the crowd. James are definitely a band who put everything into their performances and even though there was a break for a few years, they have come back bigger and better than ever before. Tim’s vocals are still as crystal clear and his enthusiasm for performing along with the rest of the band grips you and you get carried away, some of us on a reminiscent trip and others who may not have heard some of there material before. By the time it came to the final songs, James had the audience as one and then, the song that they are most famous for “Sit Down” started, which saw the crowd hugging, dancing and singing along for all they were worth. Some people even re-enacted the 90’s and actually sat down, mud be damned to them. Final song for the night though, was my all time favourite song, “Laid” and going by the crowds reaction it was theirs as well. I honestly cannot put into words just how great James were at Kendal Calling and they have definitely got to be the best band I have seen there to date, so go over to Kendal Calling web site and check out the recordings of them and all the other bands to see for yourself.

So that’s the end of another brilliant year at what has to be my favourite festival on the circuit, and yes that includes the godfather of festivals Glastonbury. There is something about this festival that just captures your heart and makes you want to return year after year. I’m just hoping that the expanding doesn’t go too far as I fear it may loose that quirky loveable feeling it has. The House Party, in my opinion, fell foul of that this year. Where had all the furniture and unique feel and atmosphere it created gone???, and that was my favourite places to go after hours  to party once the “difficult” job of listening to top music acts playing all day ended.

But once again many thanks to Kendal Calling for letting us be part of the festivities once again and I can’t wait to see what and who they’re going to get to top this year.

More Photos can be seen HERE

Kendal Calling festival sells out for 7th year running

With 7 weeks to go until the irrepressible Kendal Calling festival lands at Lowther Deer Park, organisers are delighted to announce that tickets are now sold out, breaking last year’s record for the fastest sell out to date! Tickets were snapped up for this year’s show quicker than ever before, with lucky ticket holders set to enjoy headline performances from some of the UK's biggest names including Dizzee Rascal, James, Maximo Park, and many more.

Organisers Ben Robinson and Andy Smith say: "We're overwhelmed by the continued support for Kendal Calling. We can't wait to be back in the fields for our 7th sell-out year. Plus there's so much more to be announced for festival goers to enjoy. It's going to be the best year yet!"

Spanning 16 stages and areas, Kendal Calling Festival is located in one of the most picturesque locations in the UK and attracts audiences from across the country. Over the past 7 years the festival has gone from strength to strength, garnering a strong reputation for quality while inviting imaginative artists aboard and sealing Kendal Calling as a pioneer in the festival field. Each year Kendal Calling deliver a high quality festival that serves up the best in music, art, comedy, dance, sculpture and family friendly facilities.

This year’s fancy dress theme will be the fantastical ‘comic books and fairy tales‘, with revelers set to don carnival creations inspired by characters across the ages! Prepare for visions of Wolverine, the Hulk, Cat Woman and Avengers set to rise up over the Kendal Calling hills!

As the festival production team are gearing up for this year's show, those without a ticket are urged to look ahead to 2013 as details of tickets for next year's event are set to be announced towards the end of the year.

More artist additions will be announced next week, with a pile of fantastic new acts set to take to the Calling Out stage! Kendal Calling are still to announce full line ups for Houseparty, Soapbox and the brand new Forest Stage so watch this space.

Kendal Calling HQ are preparing a feast for lucky ticket holders; a unique extravaganza that sets itself apart in the stunning rolling hills near Penrith; the countdown is on for Kendal Calling 2012! 

 FESTIVAL DATES: FRIDAY 27^TH - SUNDAY 29^TH JULY 2012

Lowther Deer Park, Hackthorpe, The Lake District

www.kendalcalling.com

http://www.facebook.com/kendalcalling

@KendalCalling #seeyouinthefields

Winner of Best Small Festival - Live UK Award 2011 & UK Festival Awards 2010

16 areas / 3 days and nights of fun in the fields in the beautiful Lake District

Article posted by Musicmafia

Kendal Calling Tickets on Sale and First Line Up Announcement!

Kendal Calling Tickets on Sale and First Line Up Announced

KENDAL CALLING REACH DIZZY HEIGHTS AS THEY REVEAL 2012 LINE UP:

DIZZEE RASCAL / MAXIMO PARK / JAMES

 SHY FX / BENGA / ANDY C /DAN LE SAC VS SCOOBIUS PIP /

FEEDER / LITTLE ROY / SHED SEVEN / JACK BEATS (DJ set) /

DODGY / INSPIRAL CARPETS /

UTAH SAINTS / MS DYNAMITE / VINTAGE TROUBLE /

DREADZONE / TWISTED WHEEL / 16-BIT / A.SKILLZ /

 PHAELEH / VARIOUS CRUELTIES / TO KILL A KING / DUB PISTOLS (DJ set)/ JUAN ZELADA / THE LANCASHIRE HOTPOTS /

THE CORRESPONDENTS / MONSTER CEILIDH /

OLUGBENGA (METRONOMY) / BOMBSKARE  / WHISKYCATS

+ MANY MORE  TBA

TICKETS ON SALE 9AM – THURSDAY 23^RD FEBRUARY

PLUS NEW FOR 2012: TIM BURGESS’ TIM PEAKS DINER / REVAMPED EMPORERS FIELD / AFFORDABLE LUXURY CAMPING & BIG GREEN COACH TRAVEL FROM £10 RETURN!

FESTIVAL DATES: FRIDAY 27^TH – SUNDAY 29^TH JULY 2012

Lowther Deer Park, Hackthorpe, The Lake District

TICKET PRICE: £105 ADULT / £50 11-15YR OLDS / UNDER 11 FREE

Tickets available at 9am, Thurs 23^rd Feb at www.ticketline.co.uk

www.kendalcalling.com

Winner of Best Small Festival Live UK award 2011 & UK Festival Award 2010 - 11 stages –

3 days and nights of fun in the fields in the beautiful Lake District

Gearing up to the most anticipated Kendal Calling to date, the team behind the Lake District’s wild weekender are dizzy with excitement and can’t wait to dance with you as they reveal the first headliners who are both acclaimed for the high-octane live shows! Without further ado, Friday night’s bill will be headed up by the mighty Maximo Park, a tour de force of talent hailing from the North and bringing their blend of quality lyricism and arresting music. Saturday night will see the return to Kendal Calling of the one-and-only Dizzee Rascal who is guaranteed to stand up tall on the main stage! Closing the show on the Sunday night will be Indie kings James, who became a British institution in the 90’s with their blend of folk pop, they’ll bring hits like “Say Something”, “Laid” and the legendary “Sit Down” which are guaranteed to make everyone get up!

Also on the all-star bill are Dan le Sac vs Scroobius Pip, Feeder, Little Roy, Shed Seven, Dodgy, Inspiral Carpets, Benga, ShyFX, Andy C, Vintage Trouble, Twisted Wheel, Various Cruelties, To Kill a King, Ms Dynamite, Jack Beats (DJ set), Dreadzone, The Correspondents, Monster Ceilidh, A.Skillz, Juan Zelada, Bomskare, 16-Bit, Dub Pistols (DJ set), The Lancashire Hotpots to name a few, with hundreds more acts yet to be announced across all stages for this award winning best small festival that has sold out six years running… so make sure you bag your ticket for one of the hottest festival on the market!

Following last year’s spellbinding festival, Kendal Calling are also unveiling a new Twin Peaks style 50’s diner headed up by Tim Burgess from The Charlatans aptly titled the Tim Peaks diner!

The Tim Peaks diner was borne from twitter and on BBC6music, as Tim pours over the jukebox and coffee he will curate a weekend of DJs, bands, book readings and comedians in a unique setting. Confirmed on the bill is Nick Heyward; best known as frontman of Haircut 100 whose hits are big hitters on Tim Burgess Jukebox.

The music and activities in the Kendal Calling meadow span 11 diverse stages and areas, situated in a close-knit site that means you’re never far from your friends; here’s a brief tour of the fun and frolics to discover...

Mainstage - boasting a diverse line-up of the best international and national artists on the circuit in this beautiful natural amphitheatre.

GLoW dance tent - with a mind-blowing line-up of DJs and live dance acts. Showcases everything from house to disco, drum and bass to dubstep, electro to breakbeat and everything else in between.

Calling Out new music stage - the place to discover new music, rising stars and unknown gems.

Kaylied tent – featuring an eclectic line-up of folk, ska, funk & soul and world music plus a late-night intimate club vibe

Soapbox – step up for this world of comedy, spoken word, cabaret & burlesque

Kids Area - For big kids and little ones alike, enjoy workshops on percussion making and music, movement and mask making, plus story telling and creative writing along with an array of games and activities running all weekend.

Kendal Calling Real Ale Festival Taking place in Kendal Calling’s very own pub, The Holy Quail the real ale festival is a huge success each year and makes a welcome return.

Garden of Eden – Back once more to offer tranquillity and featuring therapists, shisha and chai cafe.

Village Green - A haven for happy campers from dusk to dawn. You will find delicious treats to eat, a relaxed atmosphere by day and a bustling vibe by night.

Houseparty - the ever-popular Houseparty returns with tea & biscuits in the kitchen and a debaucherous dirty disco in the bedroom. No Houseparty is complete without a bit of fancy dress, which is exactly why you’ll find an entire village dedicated to fancy dress at Kendal Calling, on hand to help you make the best festival costume including Happy Slap boutique back bigger and better than ever before!

Improved Emperors Fields, new affordable luxury camping plus coach info

It won’t just be the performance areas that get refreshed this year, last years sold-out emperor’s field camping area returns once more complete with compost toilets, affordable tipis, showers and a family-friendly vibe for those wanting a quieter sleeping alternative for their brood.

NEW for 2012 we have an affordable luxury camping option in our popular Emperors Fields area without the heavy price tag (it's one of the best value 'luxury camping' options on the festival circuit). You and your friends or family could camp in style in our stunning bell tents and tipis available for hire at The Deer Lodge. These beautifully decorated tipis or yurts will provide your home from home. There are bedding options available and they sleep up to 4 per accommodation type. The Deer Lodge is not dear at all providing stylish accommodation and service that is at least double the price at similar size festivals!

To help cut car emissions, Kendal Calling have teamed up with Big Green Coach to offer travel to the festival from across the country from just £10 return. Tickets can be booked here: http://www.biggreencoach.co.uk/kendalcalling

Pick up points include Barrow, Blackburn, Bradford, Carlisle, Dalton, Durham, Kendal, Lancaster, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Preston, Sheffield, Stockport, Sunderland and Ulverston. In addition to these there will be a Penrith Station shuttle bus to and from the festival.

Tickets on sale 9am Thursday 23^rd July at www.kendalcalling.com

Date:                                        27^th – 29^th July 2012

Location:                                  Lowther Deer Park, Hackthorpe, CA10 2HN

Ticket Info:                              On sale: Thursday 23^rd February at 9am

                                                Full Adult Weekend Camping Tickets: £105

                                                Teen ticket (11 – 15yrs): £50

                                                Children (under 11) FREE

(Anyone under 17 must be accompanied by an adult)

Thursday earlybird tickets £10 (only valid with a full weekend ticket)

www.kendalcalling.com 

www.ticketline.co.uk

CAMPING OPTIONS – FULL CAMPING OPTIONS & PRICE INFO COMING SOON:

Traditional festival camping - no frills, no extra cost and for the night owls amongst you! There is also a quiet camping area for those that like their beauty sleep. Included in ticket price

Emperors Fields – New and improved; plans for Emperors Fields are afoot to revamp the area,

Please note this area is all quiet camping and ideal for families.

Adults £25 per person

11 - 15's £12.50 per person

Under 11's - free

  

Campervan or Caravan fields - £50 per vehicle pass in Emperors Fields area, which includes two adults. Any additional adults or children will need an Emperors Fields ticket per person.

Affordable Luxury Camping at The Deer Lodge - Bell Tents & Tipis for hire in Emperors Fields

NEW for 2012 we have a luxury camping option in our popular Emperors Fields area without the heavy price tag (it's one of the best value 'luxury camping' options on the festival circuit). You and your friends or family could camp in style in our stunning yurts and tipis available for hire at The Deer Lodge. These beautifully decorated tipis or yurts will provide your home from home. There are bedding options available and they sleep up to 4 per accommodation type. The Deer Lodge is not dear at all providing stylish accommodation and service that is at least double the price at similar size festivals!

The Deer Lodge Camping Options:

4M Bell Tent £395 for up to 4 people

5m Bell Tent £595 for up to 6 people

Tipi £795 for up to 6 people

 THE TRAVEL

Coach travel is available from several UK destinations and is provided by Big Green Coach Company. There are pickups from Penrith train station – If you’re travelling by train then hop aboard the Kendal Calling Shuttle straight to the site, and back again!