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DEEP in the Lake District I found a little gem this summer that I will definitely be adding onto my long list of festivals I have to attend.
Described as a 'mini Glastonbury' Kendal Calling festival celebrated it's fifth birthday over July 29 to August 1 and this year headliners included The Futureheads, Calvin Harris and Doves.
Kendal Calling began with a humble 900 revellers descending onto Cumbria for the independent, grassroots festival with their tents and wellies at the ready.
Due to growing popularity the location has moved over the five years and is now set in 150 acres of stunning parkland and this year over 8,000 attended the four day party.
The festival kicked off with the new Freakeasy opening on the Thursday night which showcased weird and wonderful comediens, singers and, err, naked men to set the right tone.
The male nudity came in the form of fire eaters with a difference, Skate Naked, who drew a huge crowd as the gates to the main arena opened. This hilarious duo pleased the crowd no end with their blend of dangerous balancing acts and fire tricks which were all performed in g-strings
The next thing for my eyes to adjust to was the huge Glow Tent which does what it says on the tin so be ready to pack your best neon clothes and throw some shapes.
Next door is the solar powered Croissant Neuf tent which has come fresh from Glastonbury and has a fun, family friendly, bouncy vibe.
Rising stars and new music can be found across the field on the Calling Out stage and just over the hill was the creative little corner featuring the Riot Jazz Cafe, Soapbox Stage and the comedy tent.
Opening the main stage on Friday was the hugely entertaining Dub Pistols, which was a definite highlight.
Their blend of ska, hip hop and of course dub was topped off by their on stage high jinxs which included two bottles of vodka, at last some proper musicians who don't just talk the talk, they soak the crowd in it too!
Kendal Calling seemed to attract two types of crowds, teenagers who were having their first festival outing and groups of experienced thirty somethings who were enjoying the ease of the smaller festival.
Friday's headliner was Calvin Harris who I had never really been a fan of but who really won me over after his energetic performance - even a short power cut couldn't stop the dancing.
The sun shone on Saturday and the cider bars were bustling as The Futureheads took the atmosphere up a notch with their fast punky pace before Manc soft rockers Doves belted out their anthemic crowd pleasers leaving everyone ready to party the night away, well until 3am anyway when Kendal goes to sleep.
After attending Glastonbury a month previous I found Kendal Calling to be a far more relaxing affair as friends were always near, the tent was a stones throw away and I was able to catch more acts as I leisurely walked round the venue.
Dare I say it, I think I enjoyed Kendal much more.
From burlesque to silly olympics, vintage clothes, magic acts and Beatles tribute bands I was in festival heaven and the weather was even on side too.
Check out their website for pictures of this years event www.kendalcalling.co.uk
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