Kendal Calling 2026 unveils a powerhouse lineup led by Biffy Clyro and Wolf Alice
Kendal Calling has revealed its 2026 lineup, featuring what organizers describe as one of the festival’s biggest headlining appearances yet.
Scottish alt-rock giants Biffy Clyro will headline the main stage at Lowther Deer Park in the Lake District, riding the wave of momentum from their 10th studio album, Futique.
Joining them on the top bill are Wolf Alice, The Kooks, and Two Door Cinema Club.
Festival co-founder Ben Robinson shared that the team had pursued Biffy Clyro with a persistence he likened to “blushing school kids for a decade,” promising a performance that will stand out as a festival highlight. He added that Wolf Alice would similarly light up the Cumbrian hills with their set.
Robinson emphasized the festival’s breadth, noting that, just like a classic film where the cast matters as much as the leads, Kendal Calling will showcase a vast lineup across numerous stages and venues, inviting hundreds of artists to perform.
This announcement comes amid news that Biffy Clyro bassist James Johnston will not join the band on their upcoming tour due to mental health and addiction concerns.
Kendal Calling runs from 30 July to 2 August, with more than 120 acts expected to entertain around 40,000 attendees.
Other notable acts confirmed include Scissor Sisters, Gabrielle, The Libertines, Groove Armada, and The Vaccines. Regular festival favorites Dick & Dom and The Lancashire Hotpots will also be on site.
While many performers are already announced, Kendal Calling plans to disclose additional elements of its 2026 program in the coming months. The festival will again feature comedy, live art, immersive installations, the illuminated Lost Eden experience, Kids Calling, parties, talks, films, and parades.
Kendal Calling first launched in 2006 as a modest two-day event with capacity for 900 attendees. Since then, it has consistently sold out, a trend expected to continue in 2026, with most tickets already snapped up even before the full lineup was revealed.
"Selling 98% of the tickets before listing a single artist is the highest compliment we could receive," Robinson remarked.
