Kendal Calling 2025: 13 Bands You Need to See!

Kendal Calling is back for its 20th anniversary, and the 2025 lineup is a perfect snapshot of what makes this Lake District weekender one of the UK’s most beloved festivals. From iconic headline acts to fresh new faces and quirky curveballs, this year promises something for every musical taste, all set against the scenic backdrop of Lowther Deer Park.

Whether you’re a returning regular or making your first trip into the fields, picking who to see can be a daunting task. That’s why we’ve rounded up 13 bands you can’t afford to miss at this year’s festival, a mix of guaranteed crowd-pleasers and rising stars ready to make their mark. Here’s who to watch in Kendal this August. For more info, visit the official website.

1. The Prodigy

Few acts deliver live energy like The Prodigy. With decades of festival-dominating experience under their belt, their explosive fusion of rave, punk, and electronic chaos is unmatched. Expect a pulsating banger-filled show, and a crowd bouncing from the first note to the last. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a Prodigy newcomer, this set will be a full-throttle, no-holds-barred experience that defines what a festival headline show should be.

2. The Lancashire Hotpots

The Lancashire Hotpots are pure festival gold. Known for their comedic folk anthems and playful commentary on everyday British life, they’ve become a staple at Kendal Calling. Don your flat cap, grab a pint, and prepare for a good old-fashioned knees-up. Their singalong anthems and tongue-in-cheek humour make them the perfect tonic for the Sunday crowd. Whether you’re laughing, dancing, or both, this is feel-good fun at its finest.

3. Reverend & The Makers

Expect anthemic indie with heart when Reverend & The Makers hit the stage. With punchy guitar lines and socially conscious lyrics, they strike the perfect balance between style and substance. Charismatic and energetic, their frontman always connects with the crowd, turning sets into shared experiences. From big choruses to groove-driven rhythms, they know how to get a festival field moving. A must-see for fans of entertaining, infectious indie-rock with something to say.

4. The K’s

The K’s are fast becoming one of the UK’s most exciting emerging guitar bands, and their upward trajectory shows no signs of slowing. Blending classic indie-rock energy with a modern edge, their live performances show a band with a bright future ahead of them. With huge crowd momentum behind them, this set promises to be loud, lively, and packed to the rafters, so get there early.

5. Pixie Lott

Pop fans are in for a treat as Pixie Lott brings her powerhouse vocals and chart-topping hits to the Kendal Calling stage. From upbeat dancefloor bangers to soulful ballads, her set is bound to offer something for everyone. With years of experience and a new wave of music on the horizon, Pixie blends charisma, glamour, and talent into a polished live show. A perfect choice for golden-hour sing-alongs and festival sparkle.

6. Slay Duggee

Don’t be fooled as this is no ordinary kids’ act. Slay Duggee are a brilliantly bizarre mashup of heavy metal and children’s TV, and their live show is a riot. Think giant costumes, guitar riffs, and kids (and parents) going wild in equal measure. Whether you’re bringing the family or just want to experience something truly unique, this is pure, joyful chaos that puts a huge smile on everyone’s face, and you’ll be talking about it all weekend.

7. Maxïmo Park

Maxïmo Park are veterans of the indie scene, and they bring bags of experience and charisma to every live show. With energetic performances, they’ve always been a reliable festival favourite. Expect a tight, passionate set packed with sing-alongs and throwback moments. Their balance of heartfelt storytelling and danceable tunes makes them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

8. Inspiral Carpets

One of the key bands of the ‘Madchester’ era, Inspiral Carpets bring a slice of musical history to Kendal Calling. Their gritty and unmistakable northern spirit offers a nostalgic yet fresh live experience. Whether you’re revisiting the soundtrack of your youth or discovering them for the first time, this is a rare chance to catch one of the scene’s true originals. Don’t miss it.

9. Divorce

Rising stars with a genre-blurring sound, Divorce mix elements of alt-rock and indie into something fresh and compelling. Their lyrics are raw and honest, and their live shows have an intensity that draws you in. This is a band on the verge of big things, so catch them now before they hit the big time.

10. The Skints

The Skints fuse reggae, punk, ska, and dub into a sound that’s totally their own. Their live shows are high-energy affairs full of grooves, politics, and passion. With tight musicianship and huge stage presence, they’ve built a reputation as one of the UK’s best live acts. Whether you’re here to dance, think, or both, this set promises a refreshing change of pace and a lot of soul.

11. The Kites

The Kites are another of the new breed of indie-pop bands bubbling up from the grassroots. Their sunny melodies and upbeat rhythms make them the perfect fit for Kendal’s eclectic vibe. Blending youthful charm with sharp songwriting, they bring an easy energy that wins over crowds fast. Don’t be surprised if you leave humming their hooks all weekend.

12. Ist Ist

Dark, moody, and magnetic, Ist Ist delivers brooding post-punk with depth and drive. Their set is intense but immersive, with pulsating rhythms and deep, resonant vocals that create a powerful atmosphere. Drawing comparisons to Joy Division and Editors, this is music that hits hard both emotionally and sonically. Perfect for those looking for something a little darker, a little cooler, and totally captivating.

13. Sports Team

No one brings chaotic indie energy quite like Sports Team. Their performances are unpredictable, funny, and brimming with enthusiasm. With singalong choruses and a frontman who seems allergic to standing still, they thrive on crowd interaction and big festival moments. If you want a set where anything can happen and everyone’s in on the joke, make sure you’re there.

Kendal Calling 2025 takes place at Lowther Deer Park from July 31st to August 2nd 2025. Look out for our coverage coming soon.

Kendal Calling 2025 Poster Artwork