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Kendal Calling has issued a fresh update for festival-goers ahead of this year’s event — and this one is aimed squarely at the great British festival tradition of chairs, picnic blankets and accidentally building a small village in front of the Main Stage.

Yep, the festival has confirmed that while chairs and blankets are still allowed, fans will now be asked to keep them behind the sound tower.

In other words: bring the chair, bring the blanket, bring the snacks… but don’t turn the front of the Main Stage into IKEA with bass drops, butt. 🤘

Why The Change?

Over the years, more and more chairs and picnic blankets have been creeping closer to the Main Stage at Kendal Calling.

And look, the festival gets it. Not everyone can stand for a full set. Some people need to sit, some people are with kids, some are pacing themselves, and some have simply been spiritually defeated by cider, sunburn and a ten-mile walk from the tent.

But organisers say the growing number of chairs and blankets has started putting pressure on space — especially when the Main Stage field fills up later in the day.

Nobody wants to be trying to get near the action only to find themselves trapped in a maze of deckchairs, picnic rugs and little blanket kingdoms. It’s all fun and games until you’re carrying chips and nearly go flying over someone’s camping chair during a chorus. 😅

Where Can Chairs And Blankets Go?

For this year, Kendal Calling is asking anyone bringing a chair or picnic blanket to keep it:

Behind the sound tower

Chairs and blankets will not be permitted:

In front of the sound tower
In the area in front of Oktoberfest

That means the front section of the Main Stage should stay clearer for fans who want to stand, dance, bounce, sing, and absolutely lose the plot when their favourite band hits the big one.

The Views Should Still Be Lush Further Back

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The good news is that Kendal Calling’s Main Stage is set in a natural amphitheatre, which means fans further back should still get cracking views of the action.

The festival has also pointed out that with delay towers in place, the sound should still be strong from further back in the field.

So if you’re planning on a more chilled Main Stage experience — chair out, blanket down, drink in hand, possibly a sausage roll in the other — you should still be able to enjoy the set properly without needing to be right at the front.

Proper job.

No More Saving Spaces With Blankets

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Kendal Calling has also asked fans not to use chairs or blankets to reserve areas.

That means if a blanket isn’t being used, fold it away. If you’re using chairs, don’t create long rows that people can’t pass through.

Basically: don’t claim half the field like you’re starting a new nation called Blanketonbury.

Festivals work best when everyone’s sound with each other. Sit where you need to sit, stand where you want to stand, but leave room for people to move through without having to attempt Ninja Warrior while holding two pints and a tray of noodles.

Chairs May Need To Be Folded Away Later In The Day

The festival has also warned that as the Main Stage gets busier, there may be times when those who are able to stand are asked to fold chairs or blankets away to make more room.

Fans are being told to keep an eye on the screens for updates throughout the day.

That’s the key bit, mun: this isn’t a full ban. It’s more of a “let’s use our heads before the Main Stage becomes a furniture-based obstacle course” situation.

The Riff Report Verdict

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Honestly? This feels like a fair shout.

Festival chairs can be essential for some people, and nobody should be made to feel awkward for needing a sit-down. But at the same time, packed festival fields need flow. People need to move. Crowds need space. Front sections need to breathe.

Kendal Calling seems to be trying to strike that balance: keep the festival accessible, keep the vibes friendly, but stop the Main Stage turning into a picnic blanket battlefield.

So there we have it. Bring the chair if you need it. Bring the blanket if you’re planning a proper chill. Just keep it behind the sound tower, fold it away when it’s not being used, and don’t build Fort Picnic in the busiest bit of the field.

Be tidy. Be considerate. Don’t trip anyone up. And for the love of riffs, leave enough room for the dancing goblins. 🤘🔥

Kendal Calling is keeping the party moving — one folded camping chair at a time.