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Following it’s record success in 2022 after two years of cancelations, Kendal Calling festival is back in 2023 with a star-studded line-up that promises to be the most exciting yet.
The festival, held annually since 2006, takes place on the outskirts of the Lake District National Park, and showcases the very best of music and art from across the world.
Our ultimate guide to Kendal Calling 2023 should help answer all of your questions ahead of the big weekend!
Kendal Calling 2023 runs between the 27th and the 30th of July. Performances are held on each day of the festival, with individual day and full weekend tickets available.
On Thursday and Friday, festival-goers can enter the campsite from 9 am. The gates will shut at 11pm, so please plan your journey. On Saturdays and Sundays, the gates will close at the slightly earlier time of 9 pm.
Camping grounds will close at 2pm on Monday the 1st of August. All festival-goers will to vacate before this time.
Despite its name, the four-day festival isn’t held in Kendal itself. Kendal Calling takes place amongst the peaceful greenery of Lowther Deer Park, about 6 miles south of Penrith.
Lowther Deer Park
Lowther
Near Penrith
CA10 2HP
When not in use for the festival, the rolling fields of Lowther Deer Park form part of the Lowther Castle & Gardens estate.
Despite its rural location, getting to Kendal Calling couldn’t be easier!
If you’re catching the train, the closest station to the festival is Penrith Railway Station.
A designated shuttle bus will run between Penrith Railway Station and Kendal Calling. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes and will run between the hours of 10am-6:45pm on the Thursday and 8am-7:15pm on Friday.
On return, the bus will run between the festival and Penrith Railway Station between the hours of 6am-1:15pm on the Monday. Find out more about the designated shuttle bus here and plan your journey in advance.
Alternatively, Kendall Calling have partnered with National Express this year to provide coach travel to the festival. Book now to secure your return journey.
If you’d prefer to drive, Kendall Calling have kindly provided directions for visitors travelling both North and South here. We would recommend booking the car park ahead of time , as this is charged at a higher rate on arrival.
Camping is an integral part of any festival experience! Lose yourself amongst the fields, disconnect from reality and spend some long-overdue quality time with your loved ones.
There are 10 different campsites to choose from at Kendal Calling, all within easy reach of the festival grounds. All campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning once they’re full, you’ll need to pitch up in another one.
Unfortunately, allocated pitches aren’t available, so we’d recommend arriving with your friends & family to ensure you’re able to camp together. Please note that the an 8 man tent is the largest size allowed on site.
There is a camping option for everyone here. Whether you’re taking a road trip in a campervan, bringing the kids, or just want to be close to the action. There’s even pre-pitched tents, tipis and yurts for those who would prefer.
If you fancy adding a touch of luxury to your stay, why not opt for a stay on the Deer Lodge camping village? Free car parking, hot showers and phone charging promise the very best camping experience!
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, our list of essential festival items will ensure you pack everything you need.
Let’s start with the basics. If you don’t have a ticket, Kendal Calling will be a much less thrilling experience for you. Book your ticket in advance, and keep it somewhere secure!
If you plan on camping at the festival, you should bring a tent (with pegs!) and a sleeping bag. We’d recommend an air bed for added comfort and a torch for toilet trips after dark. Prepare for all possibilities and pack toilet roll, waterproofs and sun tan lotion.
Be sure to pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, deodorant and dry shampoo. If you’re going to brave the showers, you’ll need to bring shampoo and shower gel. Be mindful that although aerosols are permitted for use on the campsite, these are not allowed into the arena.
Wellies, of course, are a must at any festival, whatever the weather!
You’ll find water stations dotted around, so bringing a reusable water bottle will help save your pennies. And if you fancy heading to the bar, you’ll need to provide valid ID, along with a card for payment.
Many revellers struggle on deciding what food to take to a festival, and the truth is, you don’t need to bring any! You’ll find a wealth of independent food stalls at Kendal Calling, along with a handy Co-op store. Spend more time enjoying the music and less time firing up the camping stove!
Still stuck on what to take to a festival? Print out our festival packing tick list below to ensure you’re not caught short.
The star-studded line up for this years Kendal Calling festival is one of its best! With world-renowned artists performing across 11 different stages, you’re sure to find your sound here.
Expect to see Kasabian, Royal Blood and The Kooks headlining the main stage, whilst a DJ set from Example and Annie Mac will take you into the late evening. Be sure to catch The Abba Disco at the Dessert Island Disco stage.
The stage times for Kendal Calling have not yet been announced, so be sure to get to the festival early to avoid missing your favourites!
There’s an action-packed activity schedule to keep the little ones entertained as well. Wake up with a spot of morning yoga, create your own animal costume to wear with pride, or throw some shapes at the mini disco!
The on-site cinema is sure to be a hit with movie buffs. Here you can enjoy Disney’s Encanto, a Grease sing-along or a step back in time with Waynes World. If you’re brave enough, grab the popcorn and settle in for a showing of The Blair Witch Project!
The facilities at Kendal Calling ensure the safety and convenience of all visitors. From cash machines to medical and welfare, charging points and food and drink vendors, Kendal Calling has got you covered!
Vendors at Kendal Calling offer delicious food from all over the world. There is something to suit every taste here, from authentic Mexican and Indian to classic British dishes
As part of a traders pledge, each menu promises to offer a vegetarian and vegan option!
If you’d prefer a liquid lunch, there’s 10 fully-stocked bars to choose from, along with an exciting Ale Festival and Oktoberfest event! Quench your thirst with beer, ale and cider sourced from local Lake District breweries, or perhaps a cocktail is more to your taste?
Please drink responsibly and keep in mind that festival-goers lucky enough to look younger than 18 will be asked to provide ID.
To aid in convenience, the bars will not be accepting cash payments in 2023. Cash machines will be available should independent vendors or market stalls accept cash.
There are several designated phone charging stations across Kendal Calling to help you stay in touch with the outside world. You can pre-order a 4-day pass to charge your device here.
Other facilities include lost property, amnesty bins, storage lockers and a pamper parlour. There’s even handy luggage sherpas to help lug your belongings to the campsite!
You’ll find free water points scattered across the festival, as well as toilets and showers to help keep you fresh and clean. There’s even a camping upgrade available for purchase providing access to luxury showers and real flushing toilets. Say goodbye to busy portaloo queues and wet-wipe washes!
If you forget to pack one of our festival essentials, fear not, there’s a shop stocking the necessities. You’ll find a handy Co-op festival shop on The Village Green camping area.
Food, drink, and essential camping supplies, they’ve got you covered! And to make things even easier, this year you can pre-order your essentials ahead of time and pick them up on your arrival to the festival!
You’ll find a collection of independent market stalls scattered across the festival site. Pick up a keepsake to remind you of your fun-filled weekend!
This highly anticipated music festival has seen unbelievable levels of popularity this year, with the majority of tickets already sold.
If you’re lucky enough, there may be a few release 6 Kendal Calling weekend tickets still available.
If you’ve already secured your tickets, it’s not too late to add on extras. Make the most of the experience by adding an extra day, or avoid inconvenience and book your transport ahead of time.
If you’re taking to the fields of dreams this year, we hope this Kendal Calling 2023 festival guide has been useful in organizing your weekend.
And if you’re not, give our blog on 25 things to do in the Lake District this Summer a read to discover a schedule of fun-filled activities!
Hello, I'm Lizi, and I joined the team in May 2021. My favourite staycation destinations include Cornwall, Northumberland, and as ...
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