Showing that not all the small festivals are struggling this year, Kendal Calling manages to put on a well organised event without charging the earth for it. For the small fee of £55 you get three days of indie and dance music, featuring well known acts and showcasing local bands; even the parking is free. There is no corporate sponsors or outside funding, just music lovers putting on an event fro like minded people sick of the way huge companies are killing off the original festival spirit, just to see their brand plastered everywhere...
Unfortunately, with this being in the North, as many approach the campsite on Friday the heavens open and it rains. And I mean rain; huge puddles to rival those in the nearby Lake District spring up everywhere, and the site turns to slush. This puts a few locals off, but those of us who have travelled a while to get here are staying put. Most are not bothered, and as the site is somewhat contained it is not as harsh having to drag your wellies through the soup.
For the small price they have not skimped on stages. The Main stage and Traffic stage are both located undercover large marquees, as is the Kayled stage. The main is saved more for the indie acts, as is the Club Cog tent, and the sweaty Traffic stage and inflatable Cloud Club are mainly associated with the dance acts. Folk and comedy are tucked away in the Kayled Stage, and there's a solar powered stage opposite that. Add to that a good standard of festival grub, 'clothes pimping' stalls and a few flags from Glasto's Jazzworld and there you have it.
After struggling to erect a tent in the rain we manage to get out in time to catch local heroes Seven Seals in Club Cog. Their singer has a moustache to rival Gogol Bordello's Eugene Hütz! They have a huge fan base in the crowd. Talking of facial hair Beardyman is up next, who most of the crowd after Dizzie Rascal are watching. Last year's Champion beatboxer is wowing the huge crowd, but for those outside the tent in the rain it's too hard to hear much. Why can't they make clear marquee side panels? That way (apart from condensation) we could probably see a little bit. Hot Sands, last up in the Traffic stage are a good mix of rock and dance, though many have now gone to bed, to rest for the slog about in the sticky mud tomorrow...
review by Danielle Millea photos by Danielle Millea
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