Festival's return brings 'colour and magic'

For four days, a festival in the Cumbrian countryside becomes the third largest town in the county, but its origins are far more humble.

Back in 2006, just 900 people gathered in a field near the town the event is named after for the first Kendal Calling.

This year, more than 40,000 will descend on Lowther Deer Park, near Penrith, to camp and watch a variety of acts.

The festival was the brain child of Ben Robinson and Andy Smith who said they wanted to avoid having "proper jobs".

Ben, who I meet on-site before the gates open to the public, says the secret to the festival's success - when many other small festivals have gone under - is because they have brought "colour and magic" to the event, as well as keeping it rooted in the community.

"We bring touring talent to Cumbria that's never been to Cumbria before. That was always one of the things we wanted to do as locals who love music.

"The fact that we got Snoop Dogg to come and play in a field in Cumbria is just jaw-dropping.

"Even now I kind of have to look at the photos and the video to believe it happened.

"As well as that, Noel Gallagher performing at a time he was only a couple of albums into his solo career post-Oasis and he'd never played a show this small - especially given the context of now where that band is you know that will never happen again.

"But we've also really embedded it in the region. We have wonderful regional talent play every year as well, so it has a real spirit that is of the area."

However, with the big names come big crowds and that does present some challenges.

The festival works closely with Cumbria Police and the Highways Agency to try to minimise disruption to the wider community.

Ch Supt Matt Kennerley says Kendal Calling is one of the force's "biggest operations" each year.

"Sometimes people complain a bit about it and we look at what can be done to ensure that everybody is happy - locals and people coming to the festival.

"We know the roads are going to be a little bit congested for a few hours each day and it's just around trying to take a little bit of time, ensure that you build that time into your journeys and that we try and keep it as safe as possible."

Also at the forefront of the police thinking is personal safety.

"We don't want people to take drugs at the event and put themselves at risk," Ch Supt Kennerley said.

"They don't know what's going to be in any substance that they take, don't go into excess with alcohol and then you'll protect yourself.

"Look after each other, so stick with your groups of friends, take care of your valuables, make sure things like your phone are secured away, that you don't become an easy target for someone.

"Just enjoy the event."

This year's high-profile headliners include Wolf Alice, Primal Scream, Biffy Clyro, Scissor Sisters and Groove Armada.

There are a number of other stages and tents featuring DJs, comedy and even a cinema.

It is also family-friendly with an area called Kids Calling specifically for children.

So will Ben and Andy still be running Kendal Calling in another 21 years?

Ben said: "I shudder to think of whether I'd need a buggy to get around if it's still going in 21 years, but, yes, definitely another one then we'll see."

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