Information

Please see our frequently asked questions for more information

Opening Times

Friday
Campsite: 9am opening
Arena: 12 noon til 3 in the morning
Saturday + Sunday
Campsite: 24 hours
Arena: 10:00 til 3 in the morning
Monday
Campsite: Go home & recover start plans for next year!

Thursday: The festival site opens for camping at 12noon on Thursday 26th July (for Thursday Camping ticket holders only). Food stalls and a bar will be open in the evening in the Village Green.

Box Office

Thursday: 12noon - 9pm

Friday - Sunday: 9am - 9pm

Opneing times may change so please check back here nearer to the festival.

Entry rules, ID, children accompanied by adult, alcohol policy, security presence.

Entry to the festival is by advance ticket purchase only. No tickets will be available on the gates. Please see the ticket section on this website for full details of ticket types and where you can purchase them.

Children up to and including the age of 10 can attend free of charge but you must obtain a ticket for them and you must accompany them at all times. Age 11 to 15 Weekend Tickets must be accompanied by a Ticket holding parent or guardian over the age of 30. Also, all teens (aged 11 to 15) MUST camp in the same area as their families with a maximum of 2 teens per adult (over the age of 30). Teen Ticket holders (Age 11-15) are not allowed in the arena field unaccompanied after 10pm.ID will be checked at the gate and entry will be refused to those not accompanied by an adult aged 30 or older. By purchasing a Child (age 10 & under) Ticket or a Teen (age 11-15) Ticket you are confirming that you are either the parent or legal guardian of the teen or child for whom you are purchasing

Alcohol is allowed into the campsite. We ask that each person brings only a reasonable amount for themselves to enjoy (note - no glass bottles).

Alcohol is not allowed to be taken into the arena. We apologise to those who think this is unfair however the festival is subsidized by the profits made from the bar and without it we simply would not be able to bring you all the great acts and entertainment on offer without drastically increasing the ticket price (which we don’t want to do!).

Security and stewards are on site to assure you have a safe weekend of fun and frolics.

How to get there

Location

Kendal Calling is held at:


Lowther Deer Park,
Hackthorpe (nr Penrith),
Cumbria

There will be plenty of signs to the festival from all directions.

There is a shuttle bus operating between Penrith Train Station and Lowther Deer Park on the Friday and Monday  - tickets can be purchased via the website (www.kendalcalling.com).
 

From the South (M6):

All ticket holders:
M6 Exit Junction 39
Turn L onto A6 at end of sliproad
Turn R at T Junction to follow A6 North
Keep on A6 through village of Shap
Then, depending on your ticket type:
 
Standard campsite ticket holders:
Look out for the A6 passing underneath the Motorway
Approx 1 mile after this turn L into the Lowther Estate
Follow driveway to main car park

Campervans, Emperors Fields and The Deer Lodge ticket holders:
Directions to the NEW Emperors Field area, in which both Campervans and The Deer Lodge is sited will be available in advance of the festival.
 

From the North  (M6):

Standard campsite ticket holders:
Continue on M6 to J39 and follow directions from South
 
Campervans, Emperors Fields and The Deer Lodge ticket holders:
Directions to the NEW Emperors Field area, in which both Campervans and The Deer Lodge is sited will be available in advance of the festival.

The home of Kendal Calling is 25 minutes north of Kendal up the M6 and South down the A6 from Penrith. (yes, we’re aware it’s closer to Penrith than Kendal..!).

Click here for an exact pinpoint in Google maps

Drive Times

  • Manchester - 1 hour 30 mins
  • Newcastle - 1 hour 30 mins
  • Leeds - 2 hours
  • Liverpool - 2 hours
  • Edinburgh - 2 hours 25 mins

Coach Travel & Shuttle Bus

Big Green Coach - The music travel company

We will be working with the Big Green Coach company again in 2011. Coach pick-ups will take place from selected destinations across the UK. There will also be a Shuttle Bus service from Penrith Train station and back again after the festival. Coach tickets must be purchased in advance. So why not leave your car at home and go the greener way to the festival?

Trains

We’re fortunate to be 10 minutes down the road from Penrith Train Station on the West Coast mainline – so direct trains from Manchester and Edinburgh are easy.

Train travel tickets available at www.virgintrains.co.uk. See above for information regarding the shuttle bus from the train station.

Parking

Our car park is adjacent to the campsite, however the later you arrive the further away you will have to park!

To encourage people to share vehicles and reduce the impact of cars on the Deer Park we have a small charge for parking. Each vehicle will need a £5 parking ticket which can be purchased on entry to the site car park.

Once parked you will not be able to leave the car park and return. We have a pickup and drop off point for those people only giving someone a lift – please follow the pick up and drop off road signs.

Pass Outs

No, except in extenuating circumstances. If you have booked accomodation out of the festival then please call in to the box office for a passout!

Nearby places of interest

The Lake District is home to some of England’s finest scenery and a fine place for those of us with a more active persona. If you fancy making more of your trip to Kendal Calling then we say Go Lakes is well worth the visit

Camping Facilities

Upon Arrival

Upon arrival head towards the wristband exchange and get yourself wristbanded and then you will enter the campsite where our friendly stewards will point you in the right direction to your desired campsite.

Camping

In a nutshell this years Kendal Calling has 5 campsite areas adjacent to the arena:

  • Traditional festival camping - consisting of Party (loud) camp, Quiet camp (keep the noise down after the main stage headliners) & family camping (as it says on the tin)
  • Emperors Fields (For those after a few more comforts. This is a quiet area, ideal for families).
  • Campervan field (within Emperors fields) 
  • The Deer Lodge (affordable luxury camping with Bell Tents and Tipis available for hire)

As regular festival goers ourselves we are aware that some of the most memorable festival experiences take place in the campsites but please have respect for people in the Family and Quiet campsite and keep noise down - this will be enforced and persistent sinners will be asked to move to the party area in Traditional Camping.

Traditional Weekend camping inc. Quiet & Family Camping section is included within the weekend ticket price.

Emperors Fields Camping requires an additional ticket at £25 per Adult, £12.50 for 11-15 and FREE for 10 and under

The Deer Lodge accommodation must be booked in advance. More details can be found at Please email the reception on reception@kendalcalling.com

Campervans and Caravans are welcome but require an additional ticket.

NOTE: all additional camping tickets for Emperors Fields, The Lodge and campervans are limited and must be purchased in advance through Ticketline.

Those with Emperors Fields or Campervans tickets must use the Emperors Fields road entrance to the festival, accessible through Hackthorpe itself (so that’s not the main car parks entrance).

Please do not bring any gazebos with you - we just don't have the space!

 

Emperors Fields – a great place for families

We know how much kids love coming to festivals, but we’re also aware that it can sometimes be quite a struggle for parents – especially those with younger children. This year Emperors Fields will be moving to allow us to improve the area. We've taken on board your feedback and made some key improvements. As 91% of you said that improved toilets would enhance your stay in the fields we've got the best ones on the festival circuit... Pootopia toilets. These eco friendly compost toilets are usually 'pay to poo'  but will be free to use for Emperors Field campers, and only them too! There will be a private entrance seperate from the main box office, thus speeding up entry to the festival, a car park adjacent to the campsite, hot showers, and of a more spacious area per tent.

A family camping area is also available at no extra cost within the traditional camping area.

Respect the deer...

Kendal Calling takes place in a 1000 year old Deer Park. The park is home to a herd of Deer who were originally a present from the King (Edward? Henry? Harry? Answers on a postcard...) We are thrilled that we have the opportunity to host the event in such an outstanding natural setting however we need your help to assure that we can have a future on this site without affecting the Deer and wildlife who’s home it is the rest of the year. This ensures the future of the festival at such an amazing location.

So with that said, please adhere to these rules

NO GLASS BOTTLES of any kind are allowed in the Deer Park as smashed glass does not mix well with Deer and hoofs.

We ask you please DO NOT climb any trees. They are in the most part ancient and protected creatures!

Rubbish

The Lake District is a beautiful place. Green fields and untouched landscapes are what make it so breathtaking. It is not acceptable to litter and abandon possessions while you are in Lowther Deer Park. We all want to have a magical time in wonderful surroundings and that involves each person taking responsibility for their own mess.

We will be supplying many more bins within the arena and campsite this year and we are massively increasing the amount of people working to keep the site clean. Please work with them to keep the site clean... many hands make light work as they say.

Please be sure to take your tents with you at the end of the weekend. Vandalism and littering are not the nature of our event and will not be tolerated.

On site facilities

Cash machine

We’re happy to say we have ATM cash machines on site. We’d still recommend bringing enough money for the weekend though as even a few minutes wasted queuing for cash is a few minutes wasted from a blinding weekend.

Vitals – tobacco, toothpaste, water, toilet roll.

Our General Store will stock all the sorts of festival vitals that we’ve learnt you can’t do without.

Sound-Systems

No private sound-systems or generators will be allowed onto site (that’s requested by the council in order to keep our licence).

The Info Shed

This will be the main info point of the festival over the weekend. The Info Shed will be near the entrance to the arena and clearly signposted. Here you’ll find any changes to the programme and all the info you’ll need over the weekend.

Lost & Found

This will be in the Campsite Managers office in the main campsite and after the event will be dealt with by Cumbria Police.

Disabled policy, equality policy

We welcome all to the festival and are happy to make extra arrangements for those with disabilities. It’s best to get in touch well in advance. There are a limited number of discounted tickets available for people with carers - please contact the festival office for details (see below).

There are disabled toilets available in both the festival site and the Emperors Fields campsite. There will be a viewing platform in the Mainstage area, for wheelchair users.

We advise festival-goers with disabilities to camp in the Emperors Fields, that way they can camp next to their car or alternatively can bring a campervan or caravan to the Campervan Field, adjacent to Emperors Fields. The access to this area of the site is more suited to those with limited mobility.

PLEASE NOTE camping and parking places are strictly limited, so please contact us to let us know about your needs, check on facilities and request a space. Disabled concession tickets are only available whilst there are tickets on sale, once the event has sold out, it has sold out!

For all queries re: our disabled policy contact Julie on 01524 761598.

Programming policy

From its inception the festival has been a combination of the cream of the local crop billed alongside national (and international) talent.

We build special moments and performances in the spirit of originality so you’ve got more to take home with you than just a T-shirt!

Over the years we have also learned that it is the small moments and unexpected chaos that happens away from the main stages that can be the pinnacle of the festival experience. So watch out for walkabout performers, spontaneous magicians and most importantly don’t hesitate to get involved yourself. /p>

Changes to running order

Unfortunately sometimes changes to running order occur due to circumstances beyond our control - this is the nature of live events! If there are any changes to the programme over the weekend revised running orders will be put up at the entrance to the stage or area where the change takes places and we will notify you as soon as possible. In the event of changes to and non-appearances in the running order there will be no refunds issued.

The Info Shed & Campsite Managers Office

This will be the main info point of the festival over the weekend. Here you’ll find any changes to the programme and all the info you’ll need over the weekend.

If you need any help at all whilst in the campsite visit our Campsite Manager whose office will be open 24 hours in the main campsite. It’ll also be where Lost & Found will be based too.

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Residents passes

As a gesture of goodwill and by way of thanks for your continued support we will again be offering local residents tickets.

All residents qualifying for the local ticket offer will be sent a letter ahead of the festival that contains instructions on how to apply for their tickets.

If you have any queries please email the office at residents@kendalcalling.com

Do’s and Dont’s, watch out for theft

We advise you don’t bring anything valuable but non-essential to the festival, and anything you do bring keep a close eye on.

Don’t shy away from the First Aid tent. St. Johns Ambulance staff are onsite to offer confidential help and advice. If you see someone passed out or in need of care get help immediately.

Do buddy up with your campsite neighbours and our stewards. It’s important to look after each other and those around you at a festival.

Do keep an eye on possessions… check Lost & Found at the The Campsite Managers office and if anything goes walkabout please report it! If you do lose something make sure you check back at Lost & Found before you leave site.

We can say in no uncertain terms that no matter which festival you go to in this country we call home you should never, ever leave valuables unattended in your tents.

Do keep an eye on your kids! Report any missing or found children to The Info Shed, Security or the Police. We’ll send out search parties immediately.

Don’t use the toilets as a bin and please flush the toilets after use. If you use it as a bin and don’t flush this means they will get blocked despite our best efforts to keep clean and empty. You have been warned.

Do obey the laws of the land. Drugs are no more legal at a festival than in the outside world. Drug dealing and consumption will not be tolerated.

Do pace yourself and don’t crash and burn. Don’t binge there is all weekend to enjoy. Drink plenty of water, but not too much. Try sipping a pint of water an hour. Watch out for your friends too.

FAQs

How do I get my tickets?

Head over to our ticket page here

Are Caravans / Campervans allowed in the camping field?

There is separate field for campervans and caravans and an additional camper/caravan ticket is needed. Please note this allows two adults per Campervan/caravan pass, any additional adults or children will need an Emperors Field ticket per person.

Can I bring a gazebo?

Please don't bring a gazebo as you will be taking up space from your fellow festival goers

Is there free water in the camping fields?

Yes, and water bottles are available in the main arena.

Which brands of lager, cider and wine are available?

Kendal Calling’s real ale festival features lots of different ale’s from breweries in the Lake District and even our own ale – Kendale! There will be more to be confirmed and more choice as well.

Is there any room on the bill left for musical artists?

Applications for 2012 are now open, please note we only need one application per band!

What about performance artists and painters etc?

Again, yes – here’s the link!

How do I get back and forth to the festival?

There are numerous methods including trains to Penrith and then our shuttle bus. Or you can take our Big Green Coaches from numerous locations in the UK. www.biggreencoach.co.uk/kendalcalling for more details.

Do you have a Kendal Calling Play-list?

There will be playlists up very soon and you will be able to find news of these in our news section here
We also have video’s from most of our artists on our website.

Will you be doing any day tickets this year?

No sorry.

Does the weekend pass include Thursday night?

Unfortunately not. You need to purchase a separate ticket for the Thursday night at the price of £10 for a whole extra night of partying in the fields with your friends. There will be no entertainment in the main arena but the Village Green will be open!

How much are weekend tickets?

Adult tickets are £105 + booking fee

Can you have fires on site?

There will be BBQ places but no fires.

Can we bring camping stoves?

Yes.

Where can I find out about Kendal Calling announcements?

 

  1. Visit the news section on the website
  2. Sign up to the mailing list
  3. Follow us on twitter
  4. Join us on facebook

Where can I watch previous videos from Kendal Calling?

Head over to KCtv www.youtube.com/kendalcalling

Will there be a cash machine on site?

We’re happy to say we have ATM cash machines on site. We’d still recommend bringing enough money for the weekend though as even a few minutes wasted queuing for cash is a few minutes wasted from a blinding weekend.

Will there be somewhere I can buy vitals like Tobacco and Toilet Roll?

Our General Store will stock all the sorts of festival vitals that we’ve learnt you can’t do without.

Can I bring my own sound system into Kendal Calling?

It is a condition of us gaining our licence no private sound-systems or generators will be allowed onto the festival site.

Will it cost me to park at Kendal Calling?

To encourage people to share vehicles and reduce the impact of cars on the Deer Park we have a small charge for parking. Each vehicle will need a £5 parking ticket which can be purchased on entry to the site car park.

Location?

Kendal Calling is held at:
Lowther Deer Park, Hackthorpe, CA10 2HT

The home of Kendal Calling is 25 minutes north of Kendal up the M6 and South down the A6 from Penrith. (yes, we’re aware it’s closer to Penrith than Kendal..!)

Are there any more acts to be announced?

100s more acts to be announced across all stages, keep checking the Line Up page for more details.

What time does the campsite open?

The campsite is open to all ticket holders at 9am on Friday 27th July. For those who have a Thursday ticket the campsite will be open from 12noon on the Thursday 26th July.

Is there a limit on the amount of alcohol I can bring?

We allow weekend campers to bring a reasonable amount of alcohol onto the campsite (roughly enough for one person each).

Can we take alcohol into the arena?

Alcohol is not allowed to be brought into the arena as we have arranged some awesome bars for you to drink from. Plus it keeps ticket prices low. This year there will also be a late bar in the campsite area which will be open after the arena shuts.

Can we have a pass out from the festival if we needed to go off site over the weekend?

I’m sorry but as with most festivals we operate a no pass out system. Please bring everything you need for the weekend. You have a General Store selling essentials, a cash machine onsite, and plenty of food traders and bars so you will never go hungry or thirsty! If you have booked accomodation out of the festival then please call in to the box office for a passout!

Can I bring a dog?

Due to the delicate wildlife in the park Dogs are not allowed at the event.

Will there be searches on entry?

As part of our license agreement our security team undertake targeted searches of people they may suspect to have weapons, stolen items or controlled substances. This is done for the safety and protection of all. We will be making sure this year that the searches are done as in obtrusively as possible and only with due cause.

Whats your Drug policy?

The festival operates a zero-tolerance policy to drugs. The laws of the land are as relevant within the festival field as anywhere else.

Will there be security?

We will have security on site 24 hours a day to make sure you are looked after. We have taken onboard all feedback with regards to the security approach last year and this will be much more friendly and thus they’ll be much more approachable if anyone does need assistance in some way.

Is it safe for kids?

The festival is a safe and family friendly festival. We have a dedicated kids area and the Emperors Fields campsite we suggest to families as it is smaller in size and has all the facilities in one place. However we must be clear kids remain the responsibility of their parents & guardians and not the festival.

Are you improving the toilets?

Every year we aim to improve the toilets and again we will be increasing both the level of cleaning and number of toilets. We ask that you work with us in keeping them clean by not putting anything other than toilet roll down them.

We're pleased to welcome back Poo-topia who will be returning much bigger this year, with more of their eco-friendly compost toilets.

Why can’t I take my own beer into the arena?

Alcohol is not allowed to be taken into the arena. We apologise to those who think this is unfair however the festival is subsidized by the profits made from the bar and without it we simply would not be able to bring you all the great acts and entertainment on offer without drastically increasing the ticket price (which we don’t want to do!).

Why don’t you recycle the rubbish?

We do - all recycling is carried out off-site. All our rubbish is sent off to the nearest local recycling centre at Brampton where it is separated and recycled.

Will there be as much litter?

There will certainly be more bins and more sweeps. We ask that you work with us in encouraging everyone to use the bin & bin bags provided. Bin bags will be provided on entry to the festival.

Can I charge my mobile?

We will be offering a mobile phone charging service, more news on this soon.

Can we have campfires?

Campfire are prohibited by license but we will have a nice campfire in the Village Green for everyone to gather round.

What are the bar prices?

Bar prices haven’t been confirmed for 2012, but as always we try to keep the bar prices in line with other festivals and offer our festival-goers good value.

Will the dance tent be louder?

Like you we want the dance tent as loud as possible. We do have certain limitations due to council set noise levels. However we are looking at ways we can make it louder this year using some interesting science.

What if I lose something?

Please report to our stewards at The Campsite Managers office sitauted in the Village Green area of the campsite.

What time can I stay at the festival till?

The campsite will close at 2pm on Monday 30th July.