Live
Kendal Calling 2016
Lowther Deer Park, Cumbria
13 August 2016 (gig)
13 August 2016
Highlights: “Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Pete Doherty, The Blossoms, Rat Boy, Craig David, Madness”
This is my third time to the serene county of Cumbria for the magical spectacle that is Kendall Calling, and this time certainly did not disappoint.
Lowther Deer Park provides the perfect, beautiful location for a delightful small package. As soon as you drive in through the country lanes you are greeted with friendly faces and a relaxed atmosphere at a completely independent festival.
You only have to read the highlight acts at the top of the review to gain an understanding of the elective combination they have on offer. Mixing old school garage, legends of indie rock and hip hop dance frontiers. There's something for everyone.
Upon our arrival we catch the full Rudimental set. Accompanied with a travelling band consisting of over 15, they are every bit as professional as you would expect. It certainly is an ensemble of talent gathered onto one stage, belting out all of their hits including ‘Right Now' and 'Waiting All night'. Its comes as no surprise that they are one of the hardest working festival acts over the last couple of years. ‘Hackney crew you certainly embraced your crowd”.
Later that evening I caught up with the Blossoms. Manchester’s latest indie band. With their melodic motives and catchy riffs, it's hard to escape and why would you want too? We need this band. They have just headlined the Calling out stage with an embolic response. They then chipped off to the house party tent to spin some classic old school indie pop. I manage to grab a chat with the drummer Jo. He informed me that this morning they had just landed in Manchester from Oz after playing a few dates supporting Jake Bugg. Wide eyed yet incredibly relaxed, he explains "how excited they were about their forthcoming album release” and how much they have been enjoying life on the road. Already embracing a decent following, a bunch of absolute gents with an exciting future ahead.
Aside all the Music and quirky little magical hideouts in the woods, we manage to catch “Thom Fools House Party” at the Soap Box Stage. A comic delight hosted by the ever so quick witted and spoken word relic “Oh Standfast”. With a delightful selection of short, sharp sketches from up and coming cheeky Kita, games and a quick round of musical bingo. It was no surprise to see such a diverse audience. All of whom are enjoying the obscure yet genius entertaining comical show.
Saturday was an energetic, secret affair. With headliners Craig David taking to the Glow Stage, Madness committing but not disappointingly to the headlining spot on the main stage performing their scar anthems that have shaped their thirty year old career, but it's clear to me and the lucky two hundred that get to experience it, that the highlight is the surprise guest Pete Doherty. Pete popped up and performed in the pop up coffee shop that has been run by Tim Burgess and co for the last five years, rumor has it, they caught up over a cuppa and Pete's response was that "He would love the idea of playing an unannounced gig in Tim’ s Coffee shop".
Sunday is another storming line up featuring Band of Skulls, Everything Everything and of course the indie rock legend who requires no introduction. Mr Noely G.
He has certainly crafted himself into an enthralling front-man. He is evidently thrilled to be part of this experience and does not disappoint. Captivating the audience with his witty sharp insults and wind ups, as well as a plethora of Oasis tunes including ‘Half the World Away’, ‘Champagne Supernova’ and ‘Fade Away’.
Hopes of an Oasis reunion anytime soon are once again shot down as he dedicates his great solo track “You Know we can’t go Back” to all the Oasis fans in the audience. With the addition of a couple more of his own pretty exceptional solo songs including ‘The Mexican’ and ‘The Ballad of the Mighty I', the set is the perfect ending to what’s been an amazing weekend.
The set is played out to “Don’t Look Back in Anger, and although the majority of the crowd were of the younger generation it did not stop the stomp and chanting from the masses as we depart the field.
Kendal once again you have been magnetic, marvelous and mysterious.
This is my third time to the serene county of Cumbria for the magical spectacle that is Kendall Calling, and this time certainly did not disappoint.
Lowther Deer Park provides the perfect, beautiful location for a delightful small package. As soon as you drive in through the country lanes you are greeted with friendly faces and a relaxed atmosphere at a completely independent festival.
You only have to read the highlight acts at the top of the review to gain an understanding of the elective combination they have on offer. Mixing old school garage, legends of indie rock and hip hop dance frontiers. There's something for everyone.
Upon our arrival we catch the full Rudimental set. Accompanied with a travelling band consisting of over 15, they are every bit as professional as you would expect. It certainly is an ensemble of talent gathered onto one stage, belting out all of their hits including ‘Right Now' and 'Waiting All night'. Its comes as no surprise that they are one of the hardest working festival acts over the last couple of years. ‘Hackney crew you certainly embraced your crowd”.
Later that evening I caught up with the Blossoms. Manchester’s latest indie band. With their melodic motives and catchy riffs, it's hard to escape and why would you want too? We need this band. They have just headlined the Calling out stage with an embolic response. They then chipped off to the house party tent to spin some classic old school indie pop. I manage to grab a chat with the drummer Jo. He informed me that this morning they had just landed in Manchester from Oz after playing a few dates supporting Jake Bugg. Wide eyed yet incredibly relaxed, he explains "how excited they were about their forthcoming album release” and how much they have been enjoying life on the road. Already embracing a decent following, a bunch of absolute gents with an exciting future ahead.
Aside all the Music and quirky little magical hideouts in the woods, we manage to catch “Thom Fools House Party” at the Soap Box Stage. A comic delight hosted by the ever so quick witted and spoken word relic “Oh Standfast”. With a delightful selection of short, sharp sketches from up and coming cheeky Kita, games and a quick round of musical bingo. It was no surprise to see such a diverse audience. All of whom are enjoying the obscure yet genius entertaining comical show.
Saturday was an energetic, secret affair. With headliners Craig David taking to the Glow Stage, Madness committing but not disappointingly to the headlining spot on the main stage performing their scar anthems that have shaped their thirty year old career, but it's clear to me and the lucky two hundred that get to experience it, that the highlight is the surprise guest Pete Doherty. Pete popped up and performed in the pop up coffee shop that has been run by Tim Burgess and co for the last five years, rumor has it, they caught up over a cuppa and Pete's response was that "He would love the idea of playing an unannounced gig in Tim’ s Coffee shop".
Sunday is another storming line up featuring Band of Skulls, Everything Everything and of course the indie rock legend who requires no introduction. Mr Noely G.
He has certainly crafted himself into an enthralling front-man. He is evidently thrilled to be part of this experience and does not disappoint. Captivating the audience with his witty sharp insults and wind ups, as well as a plethora of Oasis tunes including ‘Half the World Away’, ‘Champagne Supernova’ and ‘Fade Away’.
Hopes of an Oasis reunion anytime soon are once again shot down as he dedicates his great solo track “You Know we can’t go Back” to all the Oasis fans in the audience. With the addition of a couple more of his own pretty exceptional solo songs including ‘The Mexican’ and ‘The Ballad of the Mighty I', the set is the perfect ending to what’s been an amazing weekend.
The set is played out to “Don’t Look Back in Anger, and although the majority of the crowd were of the younger generation it did not stop the stomp and chanting from the masses as we depart the field.
Kendal once again you have been magnetic, marvelous and mysterious.