Kendal Calling Turns 20 and It’s Throwing the Ultimate Party – Literally Every Kind of Party

Birthdays, weddings, spooky Halloween nights, a random Easter bunny hopping through a field in August – why not? Kendal Calling is officially marking two whole decades of festival magic with a theme that says it all: Good Times. And honestly, could there be a more perfect name for Cumbria’s biggest bash?

As the countdown begins to its 20th birthday blowout, Kendal’s turning Lowther Deer Park into the party capital of the Lake District. This isn’t just a festival anymore – it’s a full-blown, glitter-fuelled celebration of every celebration you can imagine. It’s like someone raided the calendar, picked the best bits, and dropped them all in one sparkly, mud-splattered field.

Let’s take a little wander, shall we?

• • The Main Stage? Oh, it’s a massive birthday bash. Think balloons, streamers, party hats flying off in the breeze and 40,000 people belting out bangers like it’s their own big day.
  • Feeling freaky? Over at Parklands, Halloween’s taking over. Ghoulish decor, eerie vibes, and hopefully no actual hauntings (unless you count that one mate who disappears for hours and reappears dressed as a skeleton).
  • Missing the Christmas spirit mid-summer? Calling Out’s going full-on festive, with snowy trees, carols, and maybe even a cheeky Santa selfie. We’re talking twinkly magic without the frostbite.
  • The Town Hall? Every night’s New Year’s Eve. Sequins. Countdowns. Champagne pops. Midnight smooches (consensual, of course).
  • The Picturehouse is for all the romantics. Loved-up, hopeful, or just there for the slow-dance moment in the middle of a thumping set? Bring tissues. And possibly a date.
  • Meanwhile, The Stagger Inn is serving a St Patrick’s knees-up so jolly, your Guinness might start dancing too. And The Soapbox? It’s going Easter mad with bunnies and springtime surprises. Egg-cellent, honestly.
  • The Desert Island Disco is going full wedding mode – 100 mirrorballs, flower confetti showers and enough declarations of love to make Cupid weep. Basically, if you’ve been dreaming of saying “I do” to a dancefloor moment, here’s your altar.

Festivalgoers are encouraged to come dressed to impress – whether it’s your sparkliest NYE ‘fit, your creepiest Halloween costume, or a full Father Christmas look (if you’re brave). The more absurdly festive, the better.

Tor Byrnes, Programming Coordinator and party ringmaster, said:

“Everyone loves a party and we can’t wait to transform Kendal Calling into the biggest celebration in the Lake District. So grab your best outfit, gather your crew and get ready for a truly special birthday bash!”

And it is shaping up to be a special one. Kendal Calling will once again become Cumbria’s third biggest town – built on music, magic, and mud-streaked memories. With a jaw-dropping line-up including The Prodigy, Courteeners, Fatboy Slim, The Last Dinner Party, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Frank Turner, Kaiser Chiefs and about 100 more acts, this is one 20th birthday you don’t want to miss.

Except… it’s sold out.  But don’t panic – your fairy godmother (aka Tixel, the official resale partner) might still help you sneak through the gates.

 Kendal Calling 2025: 31 July – 3 August, Lowther Deer Park, Lake District

Dust off your best party shoes – we’re about to celebrate like every day is the best day of the year.