Kendal Calling: Thursday and Friday Overview

It was Thursday morning while on our way to Kendal Calling 2026, we were met with slow traffic, a super busy load in, and the blistering sun. However, we managed to get settled into camp just in time for headline openers, The Kooks.

Their set was full of indie classics including; ‘Sofa Song’, ‘Ooh La’ and ‘Naive’, that had the crowd bouncing and singing their hearts out.

After assessing the different food vendors and feeling the vibes within the crowd, I decided to flick through the range of merch the festival had to offer, while comprehending what was still to come. The wide selection of hoodies, t shirts, caps and more was intriguing. All with range of high prices, the different designs consisted of; the iconic ‘Oasis Logo’, Barbie font and the festival’s own unique styles. I was nearly sucked into purchasing a 2026 lineup hoodie due to the cold chill in the air and my lack of warm clothing, but I resisted temptation.

Moving on from the main stage to the Oktoberfest tent, that housed great tunes and an even greater energy. The DJ’s certainly took the reins this Thursday evening, spinning banger after banger. Alongside engaging with the crowd and playing exactly what they wanted to hear.

From 80s classics such as ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go Go’ by Wham! to Robbie Williams 1999 hit, ‘Angels’. Although it was a pumped-up version to say the least.

The night ended with an ample walk back to camp and was topped off with a frosty night's rest.

As Friday began, the faint sounds of ‘She Moves in her own way’ and ‘Naive’ drifted across the campsite, while attendees still partied on with the buzz from last night's headline.

The first act of the day was Swindled on the Calling Out stage at 1pm. With their upbeat tracks and jovial energy, these Mackem lads have certainly earned their stage upgrade from last year. 

After having caught the end of Esmeralda Road, I have a sure feeling that they have potential to become the next big band, as their dedicated fans packed out the venue.

Reminiscent of the early days for Keo and Wunderhorse. Esmeralda Roads’ single, ‘I Think’, has largely spiked their followers since its release in 2024 and their tight grooves and inclusion of saxophone makes them stand out against a range of upcoming bands.

After grabbing a ‘Crust When You’re Thinking Things Over’ i.e. a margarita, pizza from Tim Peaks diner (which is owned by The Charlatans frontman, Tim Burgess), it was time to watch Liverpudlian band, Keyside. Singing fan favourites like ‘Nikita’ and ‘Runaway’, alongside their latest single ‘Echoes’.

Rows of passionate fans clambered their friends' shoulders to reach closer to the band, before singer, Dani, announced that the band would be free to sign merch after the show within the TP diner.

At 4pm, Brooki took the stage, with soaring vocals and anchoring guitar, these guys are also on the rise. With currently only 12.1k Instagram followers, Brooki have managed to land some incredible gigs since their formation in 2023. These shows include, supporting The Wombats, Deftones and various festival slots like Kendal and Dot to Dot.

Scissor Sisters brought a positive power; 2000’s tunes and a load of erotica!

Opening with 2006 hit ‘I Don’t Feel Like Dancing’, Jake Shears lit up the stage with his fabulous cowboy ensemble – just what was needed as the rain began to drizzle down. Then performing ‘I Can’t Decide’ and ‘Lets Have a Kiki’. As the show progressed the theatrics grew (quite literally) as a pair of inflatable breasts bounced upon the stage.

Unfortunately, the timid crowd (largely consisting of families with small children) failed to engage with Jake’s interactions throughout the show.

We then headed to the Parklands stage at 10pm to catch The Coral. With the elaborate tent decorations including inflatable flowers and vines, this stage had the perfect energy for this feel-good, noughties band.

'Bill McCai’ was the opening track of the evening, before playing 'Pass it On’ and ‘Simon Diamond’. Lead Singer, James Skelly, then called out, ‘Does anyone here like The Doors?’ before the eerie riff of ‘People are Strange’ emerged from the speakers. 

This iconic track forged the beautiful mix of an old song with a fresh sound, accompanied by an electrifying backdrop and glorious crowd.

The Coral rattled through the rest of the set, before performing 2002 classic ‘Dreaming of you’.

Friday concluded with a portion of five quid chips, unfortunately getting squashed into the grass only 4 minutes after purchase, and a real good jig in the Calling Out tent to a catalogue of 90s classics.