Beyond the main stage, there is an incredible plethora of smaller stages for music fans to delight in, all featuring line-ups of up-and-coming bands and musicians to fall in love with, as well as edge-of-greatness musical favourites and atmospheres that’ll take audiences by surprise. With stages such as the enchanting Woodlands stage and peaceful Chai Wallah, to perfect pizza, pint and coffee spots such as Calling Out and the famous Tim Peaks Diner, this is a festival for all tastes.
Tim Peaks Diner
Backing onto the vibrant forest of Lost Eden is Tim Peaks Diner, which may look like a humble American diner shack à la ‘Twin Peaks’ but inside, is so much more. This is the perfect hidden gem for intimate live sets and surprises. All curated by The Charlatans frontman, the one and only Tim Burgess, this spot is vibrant with life from early morning treats such as Chris Hawkins’ ‘Tim Peaks FM’, to secret sets from bands such as Blossoms and The Lathums in previous years. There is also an excellent abundance of independent artists at the ready to satisfy a huge range of musical tastes. Beyond the music, it also boasts the cheapest coffee on site and snacks too, with all proceeds going towards the ‘Help Us Help Bands’ fund (which helps cover touring and recording costs for bands). Make sure to get down early for sets here!
Alumni: May Payne, The Maddocks, Natalie McCool
Stockport's The Maddocks are one of this year's highlights at Tim Peaks Diner. Straight off the back of sold-out headlines and a new EP, they’ll be returning in brilliant style with an effortless high-energy groove that is sure to have all festival-goers strutting around Kendal’s grounds in an instant.
Recommended track: ‘Liminal’- The Maddocks
If you’re looking for a set that’ll energise you from sunrise on Thursday to the spectacular fireworks of Sunday night, then look no further than power punk father-daughter duo, Voodoo Radio. This dazzling duo aren’t just bringing electrifying power but a whole lot of groovy brilliance to Tim Peaks Diner. The perfect soundtrack for a pizza and a pint and/or coffee in the sunshine!
Recommended track: ‘Space Girl’- Voodoo Radio
If dreams and whimsical, frazzled English pop are more people’s style, Gifthorse has them covered. Through an incredible live set that feels like floating on cloud nine, along with a passionate musical sensibility, Gifthorse will delight fans of Blondie and Altered Images. They have recently toured with the latter, with the band solidifying themselves as nostalgic yet energising favourites.
Recommended track: ‘Silent Disco’- Gifthorse
Chai Wallah
Peace, prosperity, and passionate independent talent thrive on this stage. Enjoy Chai tea, handmade pizzas, and a mix of artists - rock, drum’n’bass, indie, soul and folk - creating the perfect soundtracks for both sunny lounging and refreshing festival showers. This is the place to slow down and enjoy the present moment.
Alumni: Will Varley, Pulse, Amy True
Forming the perfect crossroads of high-octane country rock sensibility and intimately hypnotic live atmosphere that will easily leave you breathless, Betty Lou doesn’t just play her songs, but she embodies them from deep in her soul with a rockstar flair.
Recommended track: ‘Casanova’ - Betty Lou.
Bringing to the stage pure Americana sunshine with an edge of energising indie rock, Oswald Slain are a must-watch for fans of Neil Young and The Band. This band are infectious in their high energy and brilliantly resonant in their lyrical honesty, with the group certain to make sure nothing gets anyone down in the Chai Wallah tent.
Recommended track: ‘Firing Line’- Oswald Slain
With a dancing with tears-in-your-eyes style lyrical delivery that will bring both healing and heartbreak in equal measure, indie and R&B singer-songwriter Alice Kim is a triumph on the Chai Wallah line-up.
Recommended track: ‘Old Mess’- Alice Kim
Woodlands
Hidden amongst the canopy of Lost Eden is the Woodlands stage, where artists plant roots. The stages' intimate live atmosphere enchants both those who stay for every set, as well as those taking a casual wander through the woods.
Alumni for this stage include everyone from Frank Turner to The Lottery Winners, and many more. This year’s festival is already set up to be equally as magical, with new artists and independent line-ups curated by Off The Axis and Pirate Studios The lineup is at the ready to delight and dazzle, to rock both worlds and musical appetites.
Calling Out
Calling Out is best described as the edge of greatness of Kendal Calling and the world when it comes to its lineups. The stage has spotlighted incredible new talent, with festival favourites Revivalry, The Reytons and Black Honey leaving their mark on the stage in previous years. This stage is also home to vibrant DJ sets that are sure to get everyone in the groove. This is the perfect place to find artists before they become stadium stars.
This year is bound to be a stand-out for the Calling Out stage, with not only the return of a DJ set by Liverpool legends ‘Shi*t Indie Disco’, but also the recent addition of award-winning presenter and BBC Introducing DJ, Abbie McCarthy and her ‘Good Karma Club’ gig night. This year's Calling Out lineup is sure to be magical, featuring everyone from Keo and Arkayla, to Sofia and The Antoinnettes gracing the festival’s Saturday afternoon.
Every big band and artist start as a smaller independent one. Don’t let these upcoming artists and bands pass you by, because you might just miss out on the next big thing. From the fields of Kendal to the world!
Jessica Draper-Mann
Image: Kendal Calling 2026 Official Poster