Kendal Calling 2026 Lineup Revealed: Your Festival Guide
The wait is finally over! Kendal Calling has just dropped its 2026 lineup, and honestly, it's looking like one for the history books. Taking place from 30th July to 2nd August 2026 at the beautiful Lowther Deer Park in the Lake District, this year's festival is extra special as it marks the 20th anniversary of one of the UK's most loved music events.
If you've never been to Kendal Calling before, picture this: a festival set against the backdrop of rolling Lake District hills, where you can catch world-class acts while surrounded by some of England's most stunning scenery. It's that rare festival that manages to feel both intimate and epic at the same time. And for 2026, they've really outdone themselves.
What makes this year particularly impressive is that the festival sold a staggering 98% of its tickets before announcing a single artist. That's the kind of loyalty and trust you just don't see everywhere, and it speaks volumes about what Kendal Calling has built over the past two decades.
Kendal Calling 2026 Lineup: The Headliners
The festival organisers have pulled out all the stops for this milestone year, securing four incredible headliners that showcase the very best of alternative and indie rock:
Biffy Clyro will bring their electrifying energy to the main stage, a booking that festival co-founder Ben Robinson admits has been "a long time coming." After courting the Scottish rockers for over a decade, their appearance promises to be a true highlight of the weekend. Known for their explosive live performances and anthemic tracks like "Many of Horror" and "Mountains," Biffy Clyro are the kind of band that can unite an entire field in song.
Wolf Alice continue their rise as festival headliner royalty. Fresh off their Mercury Music Prize win and the success of their acclaimed album 'The Clearing', the band will grace Kendal Calling following massive performances at Glastonbury and The O2. Their blend of shoegaze, grunge, and indie pop has made them one of the most exciting British bands of the past decade.
Two Door Cinema Club are set to deliver something extra special, performing their iconic album "Tourist History" in full—a treat that will take fans back to the golden era of indie anthems. Expect massive singalongs to classics like "What You Know" and "Something Good Can Work." If you were anywhere near an indie club in 2010, you know exactly how special this is going to be.
The Kooks will kick things off on Thursday night, celebrating their legendary debut album 'Inside In/Inside Out' in its entirety. From "Naive" to "She Moves in Her Own Way," this is pure nostalgic magic for anyone who spent their teenage years in the mid-2000s indie scene.
The Full Kendal Calling 2026 Lineup - Over 120 Acts Across the Weekend
The headliners are just the beginning. With more than 120 artists confirmed, the lineup reads like a who's who of British music:
Indie Legends: The Cribs, The Libertines, The Vaccines, Doves, and The Snuts will all be making appearances, ensuring guitar music is alive and well in the Lakes.
Pop Icons: Scissor Sisters bring their disco-tinged glamour, while Gabrielle and Vanessa Carlton add vocal powerhouses to the mix. Groove Armada will keep the electronic vibes flowing throughout the weekend.
Rising Stars: Jamie Webster, The Lathums, and alt-rock quartet Keo represent the next generation of festival favourites.
Festival Favourites: Beloved returning acts include the legendary Sh*t Indie Disco, Dick & Dom, The Lancashire Hotpots, and Tim Burgess, ensuring that Kendal Calling's unique character remains intact.
More Than Just Music
Kendal Calling has always been about creating a complete festival experience, and 2026 is no exception. Beyond the stellar music lineup, festivalgoers can look forward to:
Comedy performances
Art installations throughout the site
The magical 'Lost Eden' illuminated wonderland
Family-friendly kids' events
Exceptional food and drink options
Tim Peak's and other themed areas
Tickets Selling Fast
In an extraordinary show of faith, the festival sold an incredible 98% of tickets before announcing a single artist—the ultimate testament to Kendal Calling's reputation. With only a handful of tickets remaining, those hoping to secure their spot at this 20th anniversary celebration need to act quickly. General sale opened on Thursday, 18th December at 10am via See Tickets.
Make Your Festival Experience More Comfortable with Glamping at Deer Lodge
While the music and atmosphere at Kendal Calling are unforgettable, there's one way to make your weekend even better: glamping at Deer Lodge. Why settle for a standard tent when you can enjoy proper comfort in the heart of Lowther Deer Park?
Bell Tents
Our bell tents offer a nice mix of traditional camping with actual comfort. These spacious, round canvas dwellings give you somewhere cosy to crash after a day of dancing to Biffy Clyro and singing along with The Kooks. With their iconic shape and plenty of interior space, bell tents work brilliantly for small groups or couples.
Touareg Tents: Nomadic Style
For those wanting something a bit different, our Touareg tents bring a touch of North African flair to the Lake District. Inspired by nomadic desert dwellings, these distinctive structures offer impressive headroom and a unique look that stands out in any campsite. Great for festival goers who want their accommodation to be as interesting as the music.
Bedouin Tents: Top-End Comfort
If you're after something more luxurious, check out our Bedouin tents. These premium accommodations are the top tier of festival glamping, combining authentic Middle Eastern design with genuinely comfortable features. With plenty of space to relax and unwind, Bedouin tents are perfect for those who want somewhere peaceful to return to after experiencing the energy of Wolf Alice or the indie anthems of Two Door Cinema Club.
Yurts: Spacious and Social
Our traditional yurts provide a uniquely circular living space that creates a warm, communal atmosphere perfect for groups of friends. These sturdy structures, inspired by Central Asian nomadic traditions, offer good insulation and weather protection—essential for unpredictable British summer weather. There's nothing quite like gathering with your festival crew in a yurt after a full day in the fields.
Royal Indian Shikar Tents
For something really special, our Shikar tents bring safari-style elegance to your Kendal Calling experience. These impressive structures feature high ceilings, substantial living areas, and a timeless look that harks back to grand expeditions of the past. If you want to feel like festival royalty, a Shikar tent is your home away from home in the park.
A Festival 20 Years in the Making
"I'm so excited to reveal next year's lineup!" said Ben Robinson, co-founder of Kendal Calling. "Our brilliant team has secured a lineup worthy of the jaw-dropping faith the Kendal Calling family put in us each year. Selling 98% of the tickets before announcing a single artist is the biggest compliment we could ever receive, so here's an early Christmas present to say thank you!"
From its humble beginnings in 2006 to becoming one of the UK's most anticipated festival weekends, Kendal Calling has built a reputation for exceptional curation, stunning location, and an inclusive, family-friendly atmosphere. The 2026 edition promises to honour that legacy while pushing forward with an ambitious lineup that celebrates two decades of music, community, and unforgettable memories.
With approximately 40,000 music lovers expected to descend on Lowther Deer Park next summer, this year's event is set to be the biggest and best yet. Whether you're there for the headliners, discovering new artists, exploring the Lost Eden wonderland, or simply soaking up the unique atmosphere of a Lake District music festival, Kendal Calling 2026 is shaping up to be truly unmissable.
Don't miss your chance to be part of this historic celebration—and why not do it in style with glamping at Deer Lodge? Your future self will thank you when you're returning to comfortable accommodations.
See you in the fields!