ONES TO WATCH: KENDAL CALLING 2023

Kendal Calling has quickly become one of the most renowned festivals in the UK, not breaking the bank for the customers but still delivering one of the best lineups year on year, here’s who we think you should catch this time around.

THURSDAY

BLACK HONEY

Fresh off the back of their recent album ‘A Fistful Of Peaches’, Black Honey will perform on Thursday, warming up the early arrivals. Heavy indie rock with an electric stage presence from front woman Izzy Phillips.

SCOUTING FOR GIRLS

Scouting For Girls have had a bit of a career resurgence as of late - 10 years ago they were everywhere. Fresh off the back of touring with Olly Murs, they’re ready to take the stage again with their classic brit-pop-esque anthems - ‘She’s So Lovely’ and even some newer stuff from their upcoming album.

NILE RODGERS AND CHIC

Those lucky enough to be able to head down on Thursday will be entertained by a special headline set by the legendary Nile Rodgers and Chic. I had the privilege of seeing them last year and can tell you to expect a fun filled disco party, tracks like ‘Good Times’ and ‘Let’s Dance’, however Nile Rodgers is one of the most prolific bass players out - they played ‘Get Lucky’ when I saw them last year.

FRIDAY

DICK AND DOM

Parklands Stage

Yes, that’s right childhood icons Dick And Dom will be bringing their DJ set to the fields of Kendal Calling. They’ve been a mainstay of the festival for a few years now so long-time fans should know what to expect - a good time and all your favourite tunes.

SWIM SCHOOL

Woodlands Stage

Scottish alt trio Swim School take over the Woodlands stage with their thick riffs and catchy hooks. They’ve alot of promise in their sound and recent single ‘Delirious’ has already become their biggest track and they show no signs of slowing down. Still yet to release their debut album, I believe Swim School will go far.

RIANNE DOWNEY

Woodlands Stage

I feel like I haven’t stopped hearing about Rianne Downey recently. Having received massive cosigns from some of the biggest in the industry and getting to perform with Paul Heaton, Rianne’s set at Kendal promises to be a stunning affair. Her country pop promises some big singalongs and a lot of emotion.

WUNDERHORSE

Calling Out Stage

Headlining the Calling Out stage on Friday night is upcoming rockers Wunderhorse. They’ve just finished touring with Fontaines DC and their own headline tour, with another scheduled for the end of the year - they’ve managed to gather a hardcore following already and have been compared to early Foo Fighters in their sound.

KASABIAN

Main Stage

Headlining the Main Stage is legendary rock band Kasabian. Serge taking over as frontman seems to have breathed new life into the band. Hailed as one of the best live acts on the planet expect nothing less than high energy, crowd singalongs and all the classics.

SATURDAY

JOOLS

Woodlands Stage

6 piece noise rock outfit Jools are something unique in the space. Bordering on satire, they’ve got character, something a lot of bands in the scene lack. Their tracks touch on social issues with punk energy and loud instrumentation.

THE LOTTERY WINNERS

Main Stage

Manchester based Lottery Winners have garnered a lot of attention quickly. With massive cosigns from other Manchester legends such as Shaun Ryder (Happy Mondays will also be performing on this day), and a fresh sound in the indie scene - they deserve all the success that has come their way so far.

CONNIE CONSTANCE

Calling Out Stage

Quickly becoming one of my favourite rising stars off the back of a massive guest role on Swedish House Mafia’s ‘Heaven Takes You Home’. Connie Constance’s debut last year saw some funky riffs combined with soulful vocals and catchy writing. She’s one of my absolute must sees for the weekend.

BONNIE KEMPLAY

Woodlands Stage

Dirty Hit’s newest rising star Bonnie Kemplay has had a great year so far, opening for The 1975 on their UK tour gained her a bunch of new fans and her position on the Woodlands stage means she shouldn’t clash with many other acts. Expect soft indie pop similar to Phoebe Bridgers with a more rough edge.

RICK ASTLEY

Main Stage

This is just for my own personal pleasure but Rick Astley is an absolute must see. An instantly iconic glastonbury set delivered one of the biggest moments with a singalong of ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ and the best cover of Harry Styles’ ‘As It Was’. I wouldn’t rule him out from appearing with Blossoms either for some covers of The Smiths.

SUNDAY

SWIM DEEP

Calling Out Stage

Recently celebrating the 10 year anniversary of their album ‘Where The Heaven Are We’, Swim Deep have become a cult band. Their catchy indie hooks are blended with airy instrumentation, expect a loud crowd here.

STONE

Calling Out Stage

An act that has shot into the scene in the last year, Stone have received nothing but praise from their peers, fans and critics. Angry post punk not far removed from acts like Yard Act along with an electric stage presence, this is one not to miss.

VISTAS

Main Stage

Possibly my favourite indie band right now, no frills just plain old guitars and catchy hooks. Their live show is spectacular as well, I've had the pleasure of seeing Vistas before and it’s a good ole fashioned indie party. In the sun with a pint in hand, it could be worse.

PROFESSOR GREEN

Main Stage

Another past act that has had a bit of a resurgence recently. It’s been over 10 years since the seminal ‘At Your Inconvenience’ was released - ‘Read All About It’ still holding up all these years later. That's not to say he’s been quiet musically since, a couple of viral tracks over the past few years have kept Professor Green in the music scene.

ROYAL BLOOD

Main Stage

Sunday headliners Royal Blood are a unique act - not featuring a guitar player, instead the two-piece relay on a bass and drums (partnered with some pedals and effects) to produce their sound. They’re currently rolling out their next studio album, let’s hope the crowd here likes rock music.