UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Scottish band Biffy Clyro tops Kendal Calling 2026, performing with Wolf Alice, The Kooks, and Two Door Cinema Club at Lowther Deer Park in England.
As reported by Lizzie Baker of Contact Music, Kendal Calling has revealed its 2026 line-up, with the festival set to feature one of its biggest headliners ever.
Who will Join Biffy Clyro on stage at Kendal Calling 2026?
Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro are set to headline the main stage at Lowther Deer Park in the Lake District, after the release of their 10th studio album, Futique.
According to Kendal Calling co-founder Ben Robinson, the team had chased Biffy Clyro “like blushing school kids for a decade,
” and their upcoming performance would be a “true highlight.”
He said,
“I’m so excited to reveal next year’s line-up! Our brilliant team has secured a line-up worthy of the jaw dropping faith the Kendal Calling family put in us each year. Selling 98 per cent of the tickets before announcing a single artist is the biggest compliment we could ever receive, so here’s an early Christmas present to say thank you!”
Commenting on the announcement, he celebrated finally pinning down Biffy Clyro for the main stage.
Mr Robinson continued,
“It’s been a long time coming booking Biffy Clyro, we’ve been courting them like blushing school kids for a decade, it will be a true highlight. As will Wolf Alice as they bring a big smile to the Cumbrian hills. Like any classic movie, it’s not all about the leading roles, as ever we’re welcoming a cast of hundreds of artists to our stages and I can’t wait for you all to dig into this incredible group of musicians.”
PublishedThe announcement comes after Biffy Clyro’s bass player, James Johnston, revealed he will not take part in the upcoming tour due to mental health and addiction challenges.
He said,
“I am heartbroken to let you know that I will not be joining the band on the upcoming tours. For some time, I have been living with mental health problems which have led to addiction issues that I have kept concealed for a long time.”
Johnson added,
“This has caused significant problems for myself and everyone around me. The time has come to properly address my illnesses and deal with them.”
The bassist also praised his twin brother and drummer, Ben Johnston, along with lead singer Simon Neil, for their support, and confirmed he has already begun professional treatment.
He stated,
“I am extremely sorry to Simon and Ben and thank them for their continued love, patience, support and understanding throughout this time. I have recently started to receive the professional help I need and would like to reassure you all that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
James concluded,
“To all our fans, your support means so much to me and in the meantime, our dear friend Naomi Macleod will be taking care of bass duties, and I cannot think of a better person for the job.”
The band confirmed Naomi Macleod will replace the bassist for the tour. She has previously played with B**** Falcon and contributed to Simon Neil’s Empire State B******.
When will Kendal Calling 2026 take place?
Kendal Calling 2026 will run from 30 July to 2 August, featuring over 120 acts for an audience of around 40,000. Headliners also include Scissor Sisters, Gabrielle, The Libertines, Groove Armada, and The Vaccines.
Returning favourites Dick & Dom and The Lancashire Hotpots will be appearing at the festival, while more acts are expected to be announced in the coming months.
The festival programme will feature comedy, live art, installations, the illuminated wonderland of Lost Eden, Kids Calling, parties, talks, films, and parades. It has sold out each year, with most tickets already purchased ahead of the act announcements.
Kendal Calling was founded in 2006. It was co-founded by Andy Smith and Ben Robinson. At the time of its inception, Smith was a teenager and local promoter who teamed up with Robinson to organize a two-day music and arts event in Abbot Hall Park, Kendal.