Kendal Calling unveils headliners for 20 year anniversary

The good times are calling as Kendal Calling embarks on its next adventure, the festival’s 20th birthday celebrations!

And today, as plans for the extravaganza take shape, Kendal Calling can reveal all four headliners, as well as 80+ more incredible acts who are set to celebrate 20 fun-filled years of music, magic, exploration and adventure, all in the heart of the Lake District. Courteeners, Fatboy Slim, The Prodigy and Kaiser Chiefs top next summer’s birthday bill as headliners. Plus, tons more artists, and much more to be discovered in the hallowed fields of Lowther Deer Park. Set in the beautiful Lake District, Kendal Calling’s 20th birthday bonanza will take place from 31 July – 3 August 2025.

Tickets for Kendal Calling went on sale in August and demand has surpassed all expectations! Fans have snapped up their Kendal Calling tickets at record speed with over 70% of tickets sold already.

Courteeners made waves with their unforgettable 2019 Kendal Calling debut, captivating the crowd as frontman Liam Fray led the band through a set packed with their biggest anthems. The audience belted out every lyric; nothing short of a monumental festival memory. Now, with the release of their latest album, Pink Cactus Café, a more introspective turn for the band, Courteeners are set to return next summer to celebrate Kendal’s 20th anniversary. Known for hits like “Not Nineteen Forever” and “Are You In Love With A Notion,” they’re set to deliver another electrifying show in the fields.

Courteeners’ Frontman Liam Fray said:

“Our set in 2019 was electric and was, so I’m told, one of the biggest singalongs Kendal Calling has ever witnessed. So it goes without saying that we can’t wait to get back on the main stage, playing to 40,000 of you lovely lot. And as if that wasn’t enough, we’ve got 20 years of Kendal to celebrate, too. It’s going to be massive.”

Fatboy Slim is a pioneer of dance music on a global scale. His infectious beats and unique style have heavily influenced electronic music since the 1990s, and continue to do so to this day. With high-energy tracks like “Praise You,” “Right Here, Right Now,” and “The Rockafeller Skank” Fatboy Slim has honed a sound which is uniquely him. Today, Fatboy Slim remains a force to be reckoned with, renowned for his legendary DJ sets which have attracted crowds in their hundreds of thousands the world over. Festival goers are expected to be Right Here, Right Now for one of the most anticipated sets in Kendal history. 

Kendal Calling, get ready to rave, as The Prodigy join the line up as headliners for 2025. They’re one of the most influential electro groups ever to emerge from the UK, known and loved for their heady techno punk sound and iconic tracks such as “Firestarter” and “Breathe”. Their breakthrough album titled The Fat of the Land rapidly became a global phenomenon, cementing The Prodigy’s status as trailblazers in the electronic music scene. The band continues to tour to this day, driven by Howlett and longtime member Maxim, reigniting their longstanding and loyal fanbase and introducing their sound to fresh ears and audiences. Raw, rebellious and unapologetic, it’s going to be a mindblowing headline set next summer. 

Also topping the bill are Kaiser Chiefs, the Leeds indie rockers who formed in 2000 and quickly rose to fame with their anthemic hits. Fronted by Ricky Wilson, their biggest hits over the years have included the massive “I Predict a Riot”, “Everyday I Love You Less and Less” and “Ruby”. The band has continued to grow and evolve over the years, exploring new sounds whilst maintaining their trademark lively stage presence which fans know and love. The set is a celebration of 20 years of Employment, as well as a chase to ring out their greatest hits around the grounds of Lowther Deer Park. 

Elsewhere on the line-up, The Last Dinner Party make their Kendal debut following a smash year, named BRITs Rising Star 2024 and scoring a #1 debut album with Prelude to Ecstasy. They’re joined on the bill by legendary Scottish rockers Travis with anthems including “Why Does It Always Rain on Me?” plus very special guest and long-time part of the Kendal family, Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls who’ll bring folk-punk charm to the stage, complete with his storytelling lyricism.

Frank Turner said:

“I first played Kendal Calling all the way back in 2009, and they’ve had me back 5 times since, and now again for 2025, so I think they must like me. Which is a relief, because I bloody love them; the quintessential independent UK festival, great vibes, great people, great music, year after year. I’m beyond flattered to be there for the 20th instalment; long may they reign.”

It’s sure to be one of the biggest dance parties of the weekend, as Sophie Ellis-Bextor heads to Kendal Calling to perform her catchiest numbers including “Murder on the Dancefloor”. Skindredwill crank up the energy serving up a hefty dose of reggae-metal. Indie favourites Maximo Park, Kendal legends The Lottery Winners, and indie icons Scouting for Girls will provide the ultimate soundtrack to the festival. Singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae is set to bring a pinch of soul with timeless hits including “Put Your Records On” while comedian Jason Manford will deliver the laughs, making this festival a celebration of both music and entertainment for all to enjoy. 

Thom Rylance of The Lottery Winners said:

 “Kendal Calling was our first proper festival, many years ago. And I think we’ve played it every year since. Except maybe one year, and I’m sure everybody said that was the worst year in history. I’ve had some of my most emotionally overwhelming moments of pride on stages in that field. Core memories I’ll never forget. The first festival that ever took a chance on our band, for that we’re forever grateful. Weird to say a festival feels like a homecoming show, I know, but it really does.”

Scouting For Girls said:

“We’re absolutely buzzing to be asked back to Kendal Calling for their 20th anniversary. The crowds are always insane! Plus we are a band who love any excuse for a party so we’ll be bringing out all our big hits when we get onstage. A beautiful festival in a stunning location with a wonderful crowd – Cannot wait!!!!”

Rising rockers The K’s, Reverend & The Makers, and The Pigeon Detectives promise life-affirming performances, and pop icon Daniel Bedingfield and Pixie Lott certain to bring their unforgettable chart topping hits to the stage. Again, Tim Burgess teams up with the Royal Northern College of Music Orchestra for a truly unique set, and Inspiral Carpets are set to add a nostalgic vibe. Alfie Templeman, The Big Moon, The Royston Club, and Nieve Ella, will showcase their breakout sounds alongside veteran favourites Lindisfarne, The Skints, and of course Sports Team making this year’s festival a true celebration of all kinds of musical styles and genres. And Kendal Calling’s late-night offerings will keep attendees grooving until the early hours. Mr Scruff promises to take fans on a journey of his genre-blending mixes, dynamic mashups from DJ Yoda and the freshest live dance from local act Lowes.

From humble beginnings, Kendal Calling started out as a 900 capacity gathering at Abbot Hall Park in Kendal. Marking its first foray into the wonderful world of festivals, organisers managed to nab festival giants Pendulum and Kendal-born British Sea Power for the first-ever line-up! Since then, Kendal Calling has built a festival community like no other, with a spirit which remains unmatched. In 2007 the festival moved to Grate Farm, before settling into its home of Lowther Deer Park in 2009. Over the past two decades, the festival has hosted acts from Mumford & Sons to Kasabian, Blondie to Nile Rodgers & Chic, evolving into one of the UK’s most beloved summer events. 

Each year, Kendal Calling unites a community of loyal festival-goers who gather to make Kendal the magical place that it is. The wonderful world of Kendal Calling has everything from world class artists, breakthrough bands, DJs, comedians and more alongside all of the many nooks and crannies that are just waiting to be discovered. It’s a visual and auditory spectacle, from the wonders of the annual carnival parade which features a mind boggling procession of over 200 participants from across Cumbria, to the incredible artwork and light installations that surround every stage and corner of the woodlands. There’s plenty for families to enjoy including the specially curated Kids Calling as well as a plethora of art and light installations and even a themed parade. Last summer, Absolute Radio described Kendal Calling as “triumphant” with The Manc calling Kendal “really, REALLY good’ – so, what are you waiting for?

Set in Lowther Deer Park in the beautiful Lake District, Kendal Calling will return next year for its 20th birthday from 31 July – 3 August 2025. Fans can sign up for the Kendal Calling presale now. Pre-sale tickets for Kendal Calling’s 20th adventure are on sale from 10am on Saturday 2 November, with General on sale from 10am on Monday 4 November. 

Fans are encouraged to sign up now for the Kendal Calling pre-sale to avoid missing out. Tickets will be available on the Kendal Calling website.