My Favourite Bands from Kendal Calling 2026

Here are my picks from this year’s festival

There is always so much to discover over 3 days of a festival, and the indie extravaganza that is Kendal Calling is no different. There were difficult choices throughout the weekend when clashes inevitably arose, and I certainly will not attempt to run through everything I saw. Rather, I will briefly discuss my two favourite acts on the main stage and my two favourite acts out on the other stages. 

The first act I have to discuss from the main stage is Red Rum Club. Its six scouse members were a sensational watch, and the prevalent nature of the trumpet through so many hits ensured a stand-out sound. Moreover, a great setlist fluctuating between hits with smoother and bouncier moods effectively moved the audience. By the end of the show, and under the entrancing influence of the lead singer, the entire crowd was bouncing to the chorus of Vanilla. 

Red Rum Club

Red Rum Club was going to be an exceedingly difficult act to follow, but The Lathums managed to give them a real run for their money. The quirky and incredibly talented front man in this Wigan band, singing amongst very well thought through guitar riffs, is hard not to like. Both his genuine appreciation for the audience, and his band’s command over the indie subgenres of rock, pop, and folk shone through. 

Away from the main stage, it was the Calling Out tent and the Scots who grabbed my attention most. First, there was the Edinburgh band, Vistas. They played a variety of bouncy tunes, many of which effectively built up into their choruses. In fact, they embodied exactly the sort of sound you would hope for at an indie festival and could very easily be enjoyed on streaming platforms too.  

Second, there was Dylan John Thomas, who had a full raving tent from the off. Before even getting on stage his name was being chanted, and the audience's excitement only grew when he began with Jenna. This, like so many of his songs, featured his characteristically brilliant voice, highly skilled guitar picking, and most importantly lyrics which could easily be sung along to. 

I hope to see all these musicians and so many more from Kendal Calling 2026 again, and can’t wait to see who else is at this brilliant event next year.

Dylan John Thomas