NEWS
Kendal Calling marks 20th Anniversary with a 'Good Times' theme and year-round party magic
19 April 2025
Kendal Calling is turning 20 – and the beloved Cumbrian festival is throwing the ultimate birthday bash to celebrate two decades of unforgettable memories. Taking place from 31 July to 3 August 2025 in the stunning surroundings of Lowther Deer Park, this year’s theme is simply: “Good Times.”
To mark the milestone, every corner of the festival site will be transformed into a vibrant celebration of iconic holidays and festivities. From Christmas and Halloween to New Year’s Eve and Easter, Kendal Calling 2025 is pulling out all the stops to make its 20th anniversary a joy-fuelled ride through the year’s greatest parties.
The Main Stage becomes a full-blown birthday celebration, complete with party hats, balloons, and a 40,000-strong singalong. Parklands is set to deliver spooky vibes with a Halloween theme, while Calling Out will spread festive cheer with snowy scenes and Christmas magic in the height of summer. And if you’re craving that midnight countdown energy, head to The Town Hall, where every night is New Year’s Eve – glitter, glam, and all.
Other standout areas include The Stagger Inn, channeling the charm of a St Patrick’s Day celebration; the Picturehouse, glowing with Valentine’s romance; the Soapbox, hopping into Easter mode; and Desert Island Disco, transformed into a mirrorball-studded wedding party.
Fans are encouraged to fully embrace the theme – whether that’s donning their best Santa suits, vampire fangs, bunny ears or sequinned NYE sparkle. The more outrageous, the better.
“We can’t wait to transform Kendal Calling into the biggest celebration in the Lake District,” says Programming Coordinator Tor Byrnes. “It’s shaping up to be a 20th anniversary like no other.”
While the festival is currently sold out, those still hoping to attend are advised to keep tabs on the official resale platform, Tixel.
This year’s stellar line-up includes The Prodigy, Courteeners, Fatboy Slim, Kaiser Chiefs, The Last Dinner Party, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Frank Turner, and many more. Expect four days of music, mayhem and memory-making in the fields.
To mark the milestone, every corner of the festival site will be transformed into a vibrant celebration of iconic holidays and festivities. From Christmas and Halloween to New Year’s Eve and Easter, Kendal Calling 2025 is pulling out all the stops to make its 20th anniversary a joy-fuelled ride through the year’s greatest parties.
Other standout areas include The Stagger Inn, channeling the charm of a St Patrick’s Day celebration; the Picturehouse, glowing with Valentine’s romance; the Soapbox, hopping into Easter mode; and Desert Island Disco, transformed into a mirrorball-studded wedding party.
Fans are encouraged to fully embrace the theme – whether that’s donning their best Santa suits, vampire fangs, bunny ears or sequinned NYE sparkle. The more outrageous, the better.
“We can’t wait to transform Kendal Calling into the biggest celebration in the Lake District,” says Programming Coordinator Tor Byrnes. “It’s shaping up to be a 20th anniversary like no other.”
While the festival is currently sold out, those still hoping to attend are advised to keep tabs on the official resale platform, Tixel.
