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.
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.
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.
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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Nike and go-to online running shoe suppliers confirmed as new sponsors for Altrincham 10k
Danny Jones
The annual Altrincham 10k just got a whole lot bigger and better ahead of this year’s run, as the annual race has just notched Nike as one of their new lead sponsors – and that’s not all.
Alty’s annual race is also being backed by SportsShoes.com, a.k.a. the go-to trainers supplier for so many runners, who will be presenting the 2025 edition in partnership with RunThroughUK.
Now part of RunThrough North‘s regular programme, Altrincham 10k continues to grow in size with each passing year, as demonstrated by getting such prestigious sponsors on board.
Taking place this weekend, the 2025 Alty 10k could just be the biggest yet.
We are thrilled to announce that we are teaming up with @Nike & @sportsshoes_com to bring the town an unforgettable race day 🤝
📅 Sunday 7th September 🏃 3,500 runners 👟 Closed roads ⚡️ Electric atmosphere
Set to welcome approximately 3,500 runners to the Trafford market town’s central streets, the Altrincham 10k is one of the final large-scale running events on the local calendar.
Aligning both famous brands with the heart of Altrincham’s running community and, indeed, giving Greater Manchester’s wider sports culture, it’s yet more prestige for 0161.
The 2025 race will also see Nike showcase its latest road running line-up, including the newest max cushioning shoe: the ‘Vomero Plus’; the responsive ‘Pegasus’ everyday trainer, as well as supportive ‘Structure’ model, meaning runners will get a chance to sample their latest styles.
As well as support from SportsShoes.com and official Nike ambassadors, North West native and GB triathlete Katie Halligan, Hits Radio presenter and ultra runner Hattie Pearson, as well as local Manc artist Emma Evans will all be there too.
These equally inspiring women have also been chosen to help represent Nike and RunThrough’s shared mission of attracting more female runners, as shown with events such asthe recent 2025 Women’s Run Series back in April.
Co-Founder of RunThrough, Matt Wood, said of the new partnership: “Welcoming Nike as title sponsor of the Altrincham 10K, alongside our long-standing partner SportsShoes.com, is a huge milestone for the event.
“This partnership highlights the growth of our community and the strength of our brand. We can’t wait to support the thousands of runners taking part in the Nike Altrincham 10K, Presented by SportsShoes.com.”
As for SportShoes, brand manager Gavin Bannister added: “The energy around this year’s 10K will be electric, and we can’t wait to see everyone out there chasing their goals and celebrating the power of running.
“From our own athletes to first-time runners, this event is all about showing up, pushing limits, and being part of something truly special, and that is what Nike and Sportsshoes.com are all about.”
Entries are still open for any of those interested in a last-minute place in the race on Sunday, 7 September – you can sign up HERE.
Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink is returning to the city centre this festive season
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s massive outdoor ice rink has been confirmed for a return to Cathedral Gardens once again this festive season.
Skate Manchester has always been a festive staple of our city centre, and there’s also a flurry of other frozen events and activities planned for 2025 too – including the return of the Scare Skate for Halloween.
Following success in previous years, Scare Skate returns this spooky season, and families, friends, and festive fun seekers visiting the rink this season can expect Halloween-themed music, lighting, and themed props to ignite the fright factor.
After Halloween, the magic continues as the rink transforms into a festive wonderland.
Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink is returning to the city centre this festive season / Credit: Supplied
Skaters can expect to glide across a gleaming ice path and spin around a dazzling seven-metre Christmas tree taking centre stage in the middle of the rink.
You’ll be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas whatever the weather has in store for our city this year too, as although the rink will be outdoors in the heart of Cathedral Gardens, the ice is fully covered.
The rink will also offer a variety of skate sessions tailored to meet the needs of all visitors, which includes dedicated quiet and toddler sessions designed for a more relaxed environment, along with discounted tickets and weekly events for students.
New this year is the Skate on and Skate off ‘Pit Lane’ available during skating for those needing a break and a hot chocolate or mulled wine, plus a VIP ticket option allowing for a fast-track entry into the rink.
Super early bird tickets are now available to buy / Credit: Supplied
Skate Manchester is also one of the most sustainable events in the UK, thanks to being partially powered by the grid.
“We’re proud to bring one of the top five largest ice rinks in the UK to Manchester once more, as part of our mission to create magical and sustainable winter events that will set the standard for winter attractions globally,” commented Rob Derry, who is the Director at Tamarisk Events, the company that coordinates the event.
“By being partially powered by the grid, Skate Manchester is one of the more environmentally responsible attractions of its kind, allowing visitors to enjoy the magic of skating with a lighter footprint.”
Skate Manchester will be returning to the city on Saturday 25 October and running right up until Sunday 4 January 2026, with super early bird tickets now available to get your hands on, and discounted family tickets and student night tickets also available.
You can find more information and to book tickets here.
Danny Jones -
25th January 2024 
