The wait is over…the Saturday and Sunday night headline acts for Kendal Calling have been announced, along with supports. North West exports Doves and The Coral will hit the Main Stage on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
With a Mercury Award nomination for their debut album – Lost Souls – an album chart number one for their second – The Last Broadcast – followed with another chart-topper – Some Cities – and a new two slot for their fourth album – Kingdom of Rust – Wilmslow’s Doves are certain to please with their anthemic hits ‘There Goes the Fear’, ‘Black and White Town’ and ‘Pounding . Since making the switch from their origins as Sub Sub – yes those that gave us the truly awful dance hit ‘Ain’t No Love (Ain’t No Use)’ – the Williams brothers, Andy and Jez, and Jimi Goodwin, along with part-time member Martin Rebelski have taken their alternative rock music to fans as openers for Oasis, Coldplay and U2. Worldwide tours and a good festival heritage should ensure a performance of note from these boys.
Turning to Sunday night and fellow North Westerners The Coral have also had a Mercury nomination with their eponymous debut and followed this with another three critically-acclaimed albums. With a mix of folk, rock and psychedelia, The Coral have had three top ten singles and plenty of top thirty successes. Their style is well suited to the festival environment and I guarantee you will ALL sing along to ‘When I’m Dreaming of You’…I will. Topping this is the news that their fifth album – Butterfly House – will be released on the 12th of July. Just in time for us to hear it and then be the first to witness it’s live airing.
2006 debutants, British Sea Power, who also played in 2008, are back this year. Now living in Brighton – why, oh why would you leave Kendal for Brighton heaven only knows – British Sea Power will also be celebrating the release of their new album. Added to this strong line-up, and the acts announced for the Dance Tent and the Kaylied Folk Stage, are the prolific Badly Drawn Boy, dance legends Stereo MCs along with Kid British. However, the best was yet to come for me personally…
A band I tipped for success a couple of years ago, and who have seen that success, The King Blues return and, after the storming debut on the Calling Out second stage last year, make their Main Stage debut. A debut that is well-earned in my books. This band is a must-see with their punk-influenced topical social commentary that had me comparing their style, energy and panache to my all-time favourite band The Jam. Now, of course, I wouldn’t be so rash as to do what others have done with the likes of Oasis and The Enemy and say we have a new The Jam in our midst but I will say this: if you’re coming to Kendal Calling, this band will blow you away. Mark my words…
There are still more acts to be announced for the other stages, but so far it looks like the nominations Kendal Calling received for Best Grassroots Festival and Best Small Festival at the 2009 UK Festival Awards may turn into some well-earned silverware for the organisers of, what I have said in the past, has been the best festival I have ever been to…
But don’t take just my word for it, here’s what others have to say:
“The real draw of Kendal Calling though, is the backdrop. A truly stunning landscape surrounds the campsite, rolling green fields give way to craggy rock outcrops, the odd mountain, copses of luscious green trees and reams of shaggy bright grass. It’s a world away from literally anywhere…which means Kendal Calling can double as an actual holiday. Bonus.” – Clashmusic.co.uk
“The way the organisers took the hassle out of the festival-going was another big plus-point… The festival reminded me of a smaller version of Glastonbury – it catered for every age group… Overall the organisation and atmosphere was great. This festival is a goer, and it’s one I’ll be heading to next year”– Manchester Confidential
“The site was charming, just the perfect size … Present festivals also seem to place a lot of emphasis on how to keep the masses entertained and this one truly excelled. Would I go again? Definitely – it has great potential and isn’t just about the music, all for a fair price” – SafeConcerts.co.uk
