The Kendal Calling lineup for 2024 has officially dropped and we’re not exaggerating when we say it’s an absolute belter.
With Northern names like Blossoms, Happy Mondays, Reverend and The Makers; Rick Astley, The Lottery Winners and many more playing at the Lake District music festival last summer, we had an absolute blast and we’re genuinely worried how they’d be able to top it this year.
That being said, with everyone from Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Paolo Nutini and The Streets to Paul Heaton, Keane, Declan McKenna; Pale Waves, The Snuts, and even the Sugababes signed up for Kendal Calling 2024, just to name a few, the latest edition is going to be absolutely dynamite.
As well as bringing back favourites from the previous lineup such as Lottery Winners, The Hunna and Rianne Downey, other new additions include rising local lads The K’s, Liverpool stars Red Rum Club, The Reytons from Rotherham, British rock veterans Feeder and even some special DJ sets…
Kendal Calling has released its 2024 lineup in full / Credit: Supplied | The Manc Group
Yes, as well as another appearance from Manc music icon Bez and a full night of funk from the one and only Craig Charles, Man United legend, pundit and local businessman Gary Neville (you heard) will also be hopping on the decks back-to-back with none other than Tim Burgess of The Charlatans.
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Can’t lie, that’s worth a headline slot on its own.
They’ve also bolstered the rest of the entertainment since last year, with live stand-up set to descend of Lowther Deer Park in the form of much-loved comedians Russell Howard and Paul Smith.
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As you can see from the full lineup, there are so many names to choose from — over 120 across a total of more than 13 stages, to be more precise — the only tragedy is that you can’t see them all. Still, there’s plenty for you to get up in the late hours once the main acts call it a day.
It goes without saying that Kendal Calling was a huge success last year and with the lineup we’ve got in store, 2024 looks set to be just as memorable as more than 40,000 music lovers are set to pull on their wellies and bucket hats each day.
One of the things that makes this festival so special is how much it champions the North West in particular, so many of the big slots going to artists from this region and the Mayor of Greater Manchester himself, Andy Burnham, even giving the likes of Stockport a shout-out last time round.
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If you’ve never given Kendal a go before, we sincerely advise you to consider it this year. It’s probably one of the most underrated live music events in the country but not for long — this thing just keeps getting back and we are absolutely here for it.
Taking place from Thursday, 1 to Sunday, 4 August, pre-sale goes live at 10am on Friday HERE and general admission will be available from Monday, 29 January.
Featured Images – RTP (via Flickr) / Supplied / Paolo Nutini (Press Image)
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Rochdale to be filled with fiery sculptures for return of dazzling Ignite Fire Festival
Daisy Jackson
A magical trail of fire sculptures and light installations will return to Rochdale this month, spilling across the square and gardens around the almighty Rochdale Town Hall.
Ignite Fire Festival will be back in town this winter between 21 and 23 November, for three free nights of spectacular shows, light trails and family-friendly entertainment.
That’s alongside an ice rink and Christmas market, too.
It’s all in the lead-up to the festive lights switch-on and will include a 20-strong drumming collective, blazing fire sculptures, and illuminated installations.
This year’s Ignite Fire Festival will be the biggest yet, Rochdale Borough Council has promised, with artworks created once again by multi-award-winning outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank.
The event will kick off on the Friday of the festival with a torchlight procession to officially launch the new Broadfield Slopes, which has been carefully restored to deliver new pathways and parkland in the town centre.
Thousands of people are expected to attend again, for an evening that includes flaming hot performances from some of the north’s top talent and ‘Drum Machine’ – the 20 strong drumming collective will be bringing their techno infused beats.
Rochdale Ignite Fire Festival. Credit: Walk the Plank / Alan Hamer
There‘ll also be hot food, mulled wine and other seasonal drinks.
Rochdale’s Ice Rink by Santa’s Village will also be open and running until 4 January, although advance booking is advised.
Councillor Sue Smith says: “Ignite Fire Festival and Christmas Light’s Switch On has been a huge hit with audiences across Greater Manchester.
“This year, with the addition of a new illuminated trail around our beautifully restored slopes area, the ice rink and the return of a Christmas Market it really will be the ultimate winter experience.”
Ignite Fire Festival, sponsored by car supermarket The Trade Centre UK, will open from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 November, with dazzling shows between 5pm and 8pm.
One of the installations from last yearDisplays will be open to walk through each eveningRochdale Ignite Fire Festival. Credit: Andy KruczekExpect flaming hot performances from some of the north’s top talent.Credit: Rochdale Borough CouncilBack again for 2025 is ‘Drum Machine’. Credit: Supplied
Then there’ll be the Christmas lights switch-on taking place from 5.30pm on the Sunday, with Father Christmas and his special guests, including the Mayor of Rochdale.
Ignite is organised by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency in partnership with Culture Co-op, funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The festival is also supported by The Casey Group – the contractor responsible for the restoration of the Broadfield Slopes, who will have plant equipment at the event to inspire future careers in the construction industry and highlight opportunities available.
BRSK – the full fibre broadband provider is also supporting, and will have a presence at the festival.
Find out more about Ignite Fire Festival in Rochdale HERE.
An apres-ski yurt village is returning to Greater Manchester for Christmas party season
Daisy Jackson
One of the coolest Christmas party venues in the UK will reopen its doors in Greater Manchester this winter, whisking you away for an apres-ski-inspired party.
All the vibes of a classic apres-ski experience will be brought to a pop-up Yurt Village, each one decorated with log fires, Christmas trees, ski racks, fur throws, and even cable cars.
Spending your Christmas ‘do at the YurtBar pop-up in Sale means you could have an evening packed with steins of beer, live music, and ski shots, surrounded by your loved ones (… or colleagues).
And to celebrate its triumphant return to Manchester, we’ve got a lovely 20% discount for The Manc readers – find out how to claim yours below.
Each yurt in the YurtBar’s pop-up village is a different size, so there’s the right event space for everything from a 350-strong private Christmas party to a table for six for a birthday night out.
An apres-ski yurt village is returning to Greater Manchester for Christmas party season
They’re all named after and inspired by iconic European ski resorts, like Chamonix, Val D’Isere, and Avoriaz.
On arrival at the festive Yurt Village you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink before tucking into an Alpine-themed three-course meal by The Hog and Apple.
That includes a festive arancini ‘snowball’, slow-cooked beef daube with mash, cabbage and a sticky bourguignon sauce, and an Alpine sharing board for dessert with a chocolate log, Aperol spritz cheesecake, and lemon posset pots.
And to get the party started there’s a full cocktail bar, plus live music with a DJ and saxophonist.
You’ll be able to document your festive celebration in a photobooth with an Alpine themed backdrop, as well as a 360 degree videobooth.
Billed by previous customers as ‘the best night of the year’, YurtBar bookings are now open for minimum tables of six.
The Manc readers can get an exclusive 20% off their booking by using the code yurtbar20 – book your party HERE.
Danny Jones -
25th January 2024 
