Will Biffy Clyro Rock the Stage at Kendal Calling Festival?

Kendal Calling has unveiled its 2026 line-up, featuring one of its "biggest ever headliners," Biffy Clyro, who will perform at the festival set in the picturesque Lake District. Joining them will be Wolf Alice, The Kooks, and Two Door Cinema Club, among many others, promising an exciting event for music lovers.

Last updated: 12 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Kendal Calling, the celebrated music festival, has announced an impressive line-up for its 2026 edition, which will take place from 30 July to 2 August at Lowther Deer Park. The festival's co-founder, Ben Robinson, expressed excitement over securing Biffy Clyro as a headliner, noting the band's enduring appeal and their recent success with their tenth studio album, Futique. This announcement comes amid discussions of the band's member, James Johnston, who will not be joining the tour due to personal challenges related to mental health and addiction. The festival will host over 120 acts, expecting to attract around 40,000 attendees, showcasing not just music but also comedy, live art, and other entertainment.

Key takeaways

Biffy Clyro will headline Kendal Calling 2026 alongside Wolf Alice, The Kooks, and Two Door Cinema Club.
The festival is set to take place from 30 July to 2 August 2026 at Lowther Deer Park.
Over 120 acts are expected to perform, attracting approximately 40,000 attendees.

Timeline: how we got here

Kendal Calling has evolved significantly since its inception in 2006 as a modest two-day festival with a mere 900 capacity. Here’s a brief timeline highlighting key milestones leading to the 2026 announcement:

2006: Kendal Calling begins as a small festival.
2010: The festival sells out for the first time, showcasing its growing popularity.
2016: Celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of memorable performances.
2023: Announcements begin for the 2026 line-up, with Biffy Clyro confirmed as a headliner.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest announcement reveals the inclusion of major acts such as Biffy Clyro, Wolf Alice, and Two Door Cinema Club, alongside the promise of a diverse array of events beyond just music, including comedy and live art. This broadens the festival's appeal to a wider audience.

What was already established

Kendal Calling has a reputation for consistently selling out each year, with 98% of its tickets reportedly sold before any line-up announcements. This trend indicates strong loyalty among its fanbase and highlights the festival's established status in the UK music scene.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

As one of the UK's notable festivals, Kendal Calling significantly impacts local economies, particularly in the Lake District. The influx of approximately 40,000 attendees will boost accommodation bookings, local businesses, and tourism during the festival period. However, the festival also promotes the importance of mental health, particularly in light of the recent news regarding James Johnston.

Businesses and jobs

The festival creates numerous job opportunities, both temporary and long-term, in event management, hospitality, and security. Local vendors also benefit from the festival, as they provide food, merchandise, and services to attendees.

Policy and regulation

Kendal Calling operates within the regulatory framework set by local authorities, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, noise regulations, and licensing agreements. As the festival approaches, further consultations may occur regarding crowd management and environmental impacts.

Numbers that matter

40,000: Expected number of attendees at Kendal Calling 2026.
120+: Total number of acts scheduled to perform during the festival.
98%: Percentage of tickets sold before the line-up announcement, showcasing the festival's popularity.
10: Number of years Biffy Clyro has been courted to headline the festival.
2: Number of major headliners alongside Biffy Clyro revealed so far (Wolf Alice, The Kooks, Two Door Cinema Club).

Definitions and jargon buster

Headliner: The main act at a festival, typically performing at peak times to attract the largest audience.
Kendal Calling: An annual music festival held in the Lake District, known for diverse line-ups and vibrant atmosphere.
Futique: The tenth studio album by Biffy Clyro, which has garnered critical acclaim and contributed to their headlining status.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the coming weeks, fans can look forward to more announcements regarding additional acts and programming elements, such as comedy, art installations, and family-friendly events. It’s advisable for attendees to secure accommodation early, given the festival's popularity.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the festival date approaches, updates on logistics, safety measures, and the full line-up will be crucial for attendees. Monitoring the official Kendal Calling channels will provide essential information.

Signals to watch

Further line-up announcements and details about special events.
Updates on ticket availability, especially if additional tickets are released.
Local council decisions regarding permits and regulations which could impact the festival.

Practical guidance

Do

Plan your travel and accommodation early to avoid last-minute complications.
Stay updated through official channels for the latest news on acts and schedules.
Consider travelling in groups to enhance the festival experience and reduce costs.

Don’t

Leave ticket purchases until the last minute; they may sell out quickly.
Ignore health and safety guidelines provided by the festival.
Overlook local attractions; the Lake District offers numerous options for exploration.

Checklist

Check your ticket status and ensure all details are correct.
Research accommodation options and book as soon as possible.
Prepare for varying weather conditions by packing appropriately.
Plan your festival schedule to make the most of the acts you want to see.
Consider transportation options for getting to and from the festival site.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As with all events, uncertainties exist surrounding the final line-up and potential changes in regulations due to health and safety considerations. Additionally, the mental health challenges faced by band members may impact performances and attendance. It's essential for attendees to remain flexible and aware of any updates from festival organisers.

Bottom line

Kendal Calling 2026 is shaping up to be a stellar event, with Biffy Clyro and other top acts headlining. As excitement builds, it’s crucial for fans to stay informed, plan ahead, and enjoy the diverse offerings the festival promises, from music to art and beyond.

FAQs

When is Kendal Calling 2026?

Kendal Calling will take place from 30 July to 2 August 2026 in Lowther Deer Park, Lake District.

Who are the headliners for Kendal Calling 2026?

The headliners for Kendal Calling 2026 include Biffy Clyro, Wolf Alice, The Kooks, and Two Door Cinema Club.

How many acts will perform at Kendal Calling 2026?

Over 120 acts are scheduled to perform at Kendal Calling 2026, offering a diverse line-up for attendees.