poppedmusic

Words: Julia Grantham

Kendal Calling -July 2024
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Kendal Calling asks that you “leave nothing behind but memories” and yes it is the memories that I have firmly held on to ever since I drove away from the fields the morning after it was all over, feeling that it had ended all too soon.  I could hardly believe it would be a whole year before I had the chance to join the other 40,000 people who had packed out its fields to do it all again, and it is those memories that will keep me going until the summer of 2025 when this festival will celebrate its 20th birthday. 

There are many festivals to choose from across the country if you fancy spending a few days camped out under the stars in a field, tempting fate with the weather and enjoying music, comedy and a variety of food and drink. So why choose Kendal Calling? And what is it about this festival that has seen it grow from a small two-day event in Kendal itself, to a four-day convention more than four times its original size in a beautiful deer park several miles away from where it all started out?  

The festival has hosted bands as big as Blondie, but it also gives a platform for new up-and-coming acts too. I love the fact that everyone who came along this year and all the years before it will have had an entirely different experience because there really is something for everyone, young and old. With bands and artists old and new, a variety of genres, stages  in the open air, in tents , in fields, in woodland, in the day and also by night you are guaranteed to find something you love. 

I arrived at the festival nice and early having secured a Thursday evening ticket, and I cheat as some might say. I stay off site in a log cabin about a mile and a half away, but I disclose this information only to persuade anyone who might let camping be the reason not to attend a festival, to have a rethink. I find the contrast between the hustle and bustle of the fields and a quiet place to lay my head is much needed after a long day singing and dancing but I saw many people who loved the camping experience too, having BBQs, a few cans of lager or their own parties right by their tents. At Kendal you can camp in a variety of fields which caters for those who want to party all night long or have a quiet family friendly experience. You can make it whatever you want it to be. 

The first thing that struck me as I entered the arena on Thursday evening was how busy it was. It didn’t feel like Thursday was an extra night that could be tagged on to your weekend ticket, it felt like the start of the main event. As we meandered our way through the throng of people I couldn’t help but notice the colours. From the multi-coloured love hearts on the flags beside the stage, to the pink and blue material woven into the plaits of a girl’s hair,  the sun was shining and all the colours of the rainbow were on display. Paul Heaton headlined the main stage to kick things off and having never seen him before I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was delighted to be transported back to my teenage years and to have the chance to sing along and dance to familiar favourites by his former bands, as his set covered not just his own solo material of recent years but spanning his entire career including hits by The Housemartins and The Beautiful South too.  

Having recently acquired Rianne Downey as a guest singer, I loved the juxtaposition of Rianne dressed in country girl attire, and Paul looking like your average Northern bloke out for a pint. Their aesthetic difference was fun, but their vocal harmonies and how they performed effortlessly together was sublime. If you didn’t know, you could easily assume that the two had been making music together for years and their set was seamless. The audience was treated to everything from “fish and chip supper” the recent single from his forthcoming album The Mighty Several, to Housemartin’s favourite “happy hour” as well as multiple hits by The Beautiful South. It was wonderful to see so many people singing and dancing along as day turned to night, and as I glanced up at the screen I saw many young people belting out the words to songs that were released well before they were born. Towards the end of their set, balloons and streamers were released into the crowd which gave a real party atmosphere. All-in -all Paul Heaton was the perfect act to get Kendal Calling going and he really set the tone for all the fun and conviviality that this festival is renowned for. 

There is always a choice to be made at a festival about who to see. Do you take a chance on someone new? Do you wander around and see what grabs you or do make an itinerary and stick to it? I decided to do all of the above, but my Friday started with Popped favourite, Tim Burgess, who every year has his very own stage known as Tim Peaks diner. This small and unassuming wooden hut at the far end of the fields has played host to many a secret set with appearances from The Libertines, Blossoms and Tim himself. The venue is known for promoting grassroots artists and a charity was set up called “help us help bands” which directly supports new artists to help them as they start out. I arrived half an hour before Tim was due to be on, knowing that when a popular artist plays at Tim Peaks, it is difficult to get in. Turns out, I very nearly didn’ t make it. Once the venue fills up, it’s a one out and one in rule and I made it inside just  in time to hear Tim’s set.  

Never one for staying the same, ever evolving and reinventing the wheel, Tim played his set alongside Helen O Haraf (Dexy’s Midnight Runners) on violin and the RNCM orchestra. With Tim on guitar, and the orchestra showcasing violins, flutes and saxophones, we were treated to recent solo tracks from Tim such as Sweetheart Mercury and Yours. To be as well as stripped back and reworked versions of Charlatans classics such as Jesus Hairdo and Impossible, and The Only one I know. You would never imagine that the main riff to this popular indie favourite being performed on a violin could work, but it really did and the crowd lapped it up readily.  

Heading outside for some much-needed fresh air after watching Tim Burgess I waited around to catch a Certain Ratio who were performing shortly afterwards. Not wanting to take any chances, I made sure I got a good spot to see this legendary Manchester band, who despite many line-up changes over the years have been going strong since the hacienda days, having  formed back in 1977. Immediately reminiscent of early 90s dance, A certain ratio fuse latin vibes with a hacienda sound making them stand out from their peers and yet they still manage to sound fresh and new. They could become anyone’s new favourite band as despite having been around so long they have a very accessible and catchy sound. They played favourites such as Do the Du and Lucinda and dedicated The Big Emotion to the late Denise Johnson, a former member of the band and renowned vocalist for the likes of Primal Scream and New Order. It was a poignant moment as we all sang along to the words “ I won’t stop loving you, I still believe in you” as we thought of her. Tim Burgess joined as a guest vocalist on “Good together” and they closed their set with Knife slits water which showcased a stunning three-part harmony to finish their very special performance. 

Making my way over to The Calling Out Stage, next on my list today was Pip Blom. Having  heard her on BBC Radio 6 I was very excited to see her for the first time. This stage was entirely different to Tim Peaks, being a tent decorated with deep blue stars, lanterns and sea creatures. I marvelled at the ceiling as I awaited the start of Pip’s set. A simple three-piece, Pip Blom and her band were all playing guitar and battled on through several technical issues to give a fantastic performance. Their songs are infectious and really get under your skin. Often gritty, very rock influenced and drawing on genres of grunge, britpop and rock the band did not disappoint despite their sound cutting out several times. Keep it together was a highlight for me in the set, a wistful number with a wonderfully energetic chorus.  There’s something special about a band who makes you wanna dance without even realising that you’re moving. I would highly recommend seeing Pip Blom perform if you ever get the chance.  

I finished my day on the main stage watching Noel Gallagher. I have never seen Oasis perform live, and up until this point had never seen either Liam or Noel play to a crowd either. Unsurprisingly, the arena was packed and the atmosphere expectant. As day turned to night the audience swelled as Noel played a succession of his songs from his solo ventures such as Pretty Boy and You Know we can’t go back before turning his attention to popular Oasis numbers which spanned the band’s career. Even if you weren’t necessarily a fan of Noel Gallagher, you couldn’t help but find the audience’s enthusiasm of the music infectious, and to see so many people smiling, swaying, singing and dancing was as uplifting as it was moving.  

Ending his encore with the well-known Indie classic “Don’t look back in anger” it was as if every one of the several thousand people who had turned out to see him came alive and came together to sing this song. It took me back to a time when I recall the end of an evening in a pub, bar or club where people would put their arms around each other and fuelled with beer would belt this song out at the top of their voices. It reminded me in that moment how powerful music can be and how certain songs can unite people as they join in together with their singing. It was a very special way to close Friday evening at this year’s Kendal Calling. 

On Saturday morning I was woken up by an Instagram message from a friend attending the festival telling me I had to see Andrew Cushin on the main stage. Having no real plan for the daytime, I decided to head over and see what the fuss was about. The first thing that struck me was that this artist has a very loyal following from his hometown of Newcastle. Donning their Newcastle United Tops and singing and waving their hands in the air, it was clear that this was a well-loved artist with people who had made the effort to come down and show their support. Having toured with the likes of Paul Weller and Johnny Marr, and a song produced by Noel Gallagher under his belt, it was no surprise to see that Cushin seemed very comfortable up on stage as he performed a solid set of well-constructed indie tunes, reminiscent of the britpop days of the 90s and yet with his own modern slant. Waiting for the rain was the highlight for me in his set, and  this was a great way to start my  Saturday. As I wandered away to catch the next act, I felt sure that this would not be the last time I stumble across this artist. 

Having secured tickets to The Green Room I took the opportunity between acts to have a bit of down time away from the crowds to relax and regroup. Now in its second year, this space has expanded since last year and has sofas, deck chairs, its very own coffee and food van as well as a bar and an area to get away from the hustle and bustle of the festival. The upgrade is worth every penny in my opinion, and your ticket allows you to use the posy privy toilets too with much less of a queue than than the various portaloos across site. It’s also a fab place to have a dance at the end of the night under twinkling lights, giving  it a  very relaxed club lounge feel. 

Feeling refreshed, I headed back to the main stage to watch Kate Nash. Having just released a new album and been signed to a new label, she played an energetic set of hits old and new to a captivated audience.  Here is an artist who knows how to put on a show. Watching her sing, dance, and throw herself around the stage with as much energy and dynamism as I think anyone could manage, it was clear to see that Nash is a natural performer, born to entertain. Some artists just play their songs, some use carefully constructed choreography and others rely on gimmicks. Kate Nash gave 100% to every song she sang and spoke to her crowd like they were friends of hers. She had a real warmth about her, and seemed so touched when a group of boys held their phones up which spelled out the words; “I love you Kate” She even asked a photographer to take a picture of it.  

Throughout her set, she kept talking to the audience expressing her gratitude and then singing happy birthday to a member of the crowd. She alternated between the stage and the pit below, making a point of going close up to people and singing just for them, and creating a real rapport with us during her set. She invited us all to escape the world around us and everything going on; to stand in a field altogether and rejoice in her music. Speaking about events across the country in the news lately she said: The world’s a fucked up place but you’re all here standing strangers together enjoying music and I love that”.  

I was never a Kate Nash fan particularly before seeing her today, but I came away with so much love and respect for this artist. And there’s no denying that her hits such as “foundations” which she ended her set with are bloody good pop tunes. She exceeded my expectations, and I will always remember her candour and warmth that seemed to come effortlessly with her performance.  

Red Rum Club, a Popped Music favourite, was next on my list. Although I knew the name and had seen them on many a bill and gig poster, I had yet to see them play. Having gained a steady and loyal following since starting out back in 2016, it is clear to see why this Merseyside band are so popular. With instantly likeable and catchy tunes, what sets them apart is the many rich layers of instrumentation that they create, with the trumpet being the icing on the cake of the real party vibe that swirled around the arena as they belted out their hits. I loved that fact that many of their fans had their own brightly coloured inflatable trumpets which they waved in the air and pretended to play in time to the music. Hearing songs like Angeline and Vanilla, it was made clear to me why this was such a popular band. With riffs that can’t help but get you moving, I came away with these songs etched in my memory and before I knew what I was doing, I had added these songs to my playlist and have been dancing around to them ever since. As many bands and artists tend to do, they saved their best song til last. Would You Rather Be Lonely closed their set, and is a real heart-wrenching song. I’d urge you to take a listen to that right now. If you’ve ever loved an Indie anthem, you’ll love this. It is up there with one of the best songs I heard all weekend.  

My only must-see band of the day was performing at Tim Peaks diner at 8 o’clock so I headed back over sharpish, eager not to miss the start. Mich Dulce and her midnight callers started writing songs in lockdown and had just released their first single:  Love could slaughter 1 & 2 a mere two weeks before performing at Kendal calling, their first ever festival performance. Having already fallen in love with their dreamy summer-like single ahead of seeing their set, I was really looking forward to seeing what they would be like playing live. Consisting of six members and fronted by the dynamic Mich Dulce, the five members of the band had embraced the high sea’s theme of Kendal calling this year and were dressed in sailor outfits, where Mich by contrast was wearing a pretty pink dress with flowers in her hair and flowers attached to her microphone. I loved the contrast between her and the rest of the band. They looked playful and fun and I remember thinking that Mich looked like a woodland fairy, and reminded me of the character Tatiana from Shakespeare’s a midsummer nights dream.  

As the music began to play, the crowd slowly got bigger and bigger. Whether they were lured in by the alluring melodies, or felt enchanted by Mich’s delicate and fairy-like movements as she danced across the floor, something captivated them and drew them in. The band only played five songs. But in that short space of time they attracted many people into Tim Peaks diner, even Tim Burgess himself who couldn’t resist having a dance. Perhaps it was the cover of New Order’s  Age of consent, or perhaps he knows the sound of a good band when he hears one. Either way I feel sure that he, along with most people who were fortunate enough to catch them fleetlingly, felt the same as I did when their short but sweet set came to an end: we were all left wanting more! I don’t think is the last we’ll be hearing from this band. Look out for their names on upcoming tours and festival bills because you won’t want to miss them. 

After I left Tim Peaks it was starting to get dark, so I wandered through Lost Eden to look at the wonderful installations and illuminations on display. It was like walking through a magical forest with all the bright colours and decorations. This area of dense woodland, delicately enhanced by the addition of lanterns, fabrics and lighting offers a beautiful addition to the festival and I stayed by the Woodlands Stage to see out my evening with The Untold Orchestra, performing songs by Stevie Wonder.  

It’s never easy to tell just how busy each stage is going to be, and this time it was jam packed full of people in full party mode. The Untold Orchestra have only been going since 2019. Inspired by Nina Simone, it is clear to see that the love of soul and jazz is very much alive in their performances. Having opened up the festival on Thursday performing the sounds of Abba, tonight their Stevie Wonder renditions did not disappoint. I could hardly move for the crowds. All of us singing and grooving to  Superstition, Just enough for the city and Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m yours to name but a few. I feel like there’s nothing this orchestra couldn’t perform. They were extremely tight together on stage as musicians but they have a wonderfully laid back and soulful vibe about them as well. Leaving the woodlands area to head home for the evening I came away realising that they were just as good at getting the party started as they were closing the stage for the evening. Definitely worth experiencing the chance to see and they were certainly a fabulous addition to Kendal calling. 

On Sunday morning I awoke blearly-eyed but had planned to get down nice and early  to see Revivalry, a three piece from Cleethorpes. Having formed when they just thirteen years old, the now sixteen year olds have been steadily gaining momentum ever since, with support slots from the likes of Reverend and The Makers, and a recent record label deal under their belts. They walked on stage with all the confidence and swagger of a well-established band. I loved them for this. Their genuine appreciation for being there and the clear enjoyment they were getting from the opportunity to play the main stage was really quite touching and I found myself willing them to do well. I couldn’t help but think that at such a young age and playing at a family friendly festival, a band like Revivalry could really inspire young kids to want to pick up a guitar, or learn to play the drums. I was so grateful for the opportunity to realise this and glad that I had made the effort to go and see them, as well as well-established bands that had been going several decades. 

I was impressed with the way that band worked their crowd, inviting them to join in, raise their hands and sing along. When the lead singer came into the audience and sang an acoustic version of their song Blue Underground, it was a nice contrast to the indie rock sounds that had come from the stage. It seemed clear to me that this young band are giving their music everything they’ve got and are gathering pace and critical acclaim as they go. With so many Indie Rock guitar bands out there, what makes Revivalry stand out from the crowd is the way they perform, getting under the skin and into the hearts of those who come across them. I can’t help but wish them well and I feel sure I will see them again. Check out The Town on spotify and see what all the fuss is about. 

I’d decided I wasn’t going to watch the Lottery Winners this year. Not because I don’t like them, and not because I didn’t want to see them, but because I’d written about them last year. However, as I searched for a comfy place to perch with the food I had just bought, I heard the familiar sound of their songs playing nearby and couldn’t help but join my friends to sit and listen. This band are favourites of Kendal Calling having played many times, and rotating around all the many stages that the festival has to offer. Last year they played the main stage, and this year the crowd spilled out of The Parklands tent. What makes the Lottery Winners so special is the stories that they tell with their music. If the lyrics don’t give that away, Thom Rylance makes sure he tells you and he is every inch the perfect frontman with his unique mix of comedy, heartfelt storytelling and raw passion. I loved hearing the story about how they played at 11:30am one year when the gates didn’t open til 12pm, and having played the festival most years since 2012, these KC veterans never disappoint. If I could only choose one of their songs to listen to, it would be Letter to Myself, a unique tune about going back in time and telling your younger self to have faith, that everything will be ok. I love this band for that tune if nothing else, because it’s such a powerful message. It really resonates with me, and I’ve already played it to my kids. It’s such an inspirational tune and it was a delight to hear it once more bellowing from the Parklands tent. 

My Kendal Calling 2024 experience came to an end with Temples, who closed The Woodlands Stage. Having bought their debut album and listened to it on repeat at the time, I had somehow never seen them live. 10 years on and in the midst of its 10th anniversary, the band have been touring the album and it was a delight to hear so many of these tunes being played under the stars and surrounded by the enchanting woodlands of Lost Eden. This wasn’t just a trip down memory lane however, the band have a total of four albums to date, with their latest one Exotico being released just last year. With their roots in psychedelia, this Kettering band take you on a mesmerizing journey with their live performance, with a wonderful blend of rock, harking back to the 60s but with a fresh new groove of their own. Throughout their set I found myself getting lost in the tranquillity and almost meditative nature of their slower tunes such as The Golden Throne and having a proper dance to the hit Shelter Song. They ended their set with a long swirling instrumental outro which I could have danced to all night.  

It’s hard to describe exactly what it is that makes Kendal calling so special, but it really is so much than just the music. It feels every inch like a gathering of like-minded souls, having a break from reality and rejoicing together in the vast array of music on offer. The atmosphere is always so joyful, whether it be created from children dancing in the mud, people singing and dancing, or watching the colourful world go by.  Every time I sat down at a bench I got talking to someone new, and not just polite conversation. It felt like whenever I encountered a stranger I made a new friend, whether it be just in that moment or whether I’ll see them again next year. I never wait to see who is headlining before signing up to Kendal Calling because I know that each year I go I feel more a part of something special than I did the year before. I mostly certainly haven’t left my memories behind as the festival’s tagline suggests, but rather they will sustain me until my next summer in the fields when the 20th anniversary promises to be something very special indeed. See you there?