ORGANISERS of Cumbria’s biggest festival have thanked festival goers for making Kendal Calling ‘one of the happiest places on earth’ for the 17th year in a row.

News and Star: The Woodlands is always a big hit at the festival.The Woodlands is always a big hit at the festival. (Image: Tom Martin)

Over the course of four days from Thursday, June 27, 40,000 festival goers attended the event in Lowther Deer Park, Penrith.

Organisers said it was 'another unforgettable Kendal Calling' and its biggest edition yet as the festival rose up to become the county’s third largest town.

News and Star: The Happy Mondays perform on stage at the festival.The Happy Mondays perform on stage at the festival. (Image: Tom Martin)

A mega line-up featuring everything from world-class headliners Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Kasabian, Blossoms (joined on stage by Rick Astley who played percussion during ‘Charlemagne’) and Royal Blood taking the main stage by storm.

Saturday night saw a special appearance from Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, who gave a rousing speech, gearing the crowd up ahead of Blossoms’ headline set on their 10 year anniversary and eight years since their first Kendal Calling slot.

News and Star: Revellers bask in the sunshine at the festival.Revellers bask in the sunshine at the festival. (Image: Tom Martin)

Melanie C, Scouting For Girls, Rick Astley, Tim Burgess, KT Tunstall, Happy Mondays, Example, Professor Green and ‘Torn’ hitmaker Natalie Imbruglia were also on the bill.

Andy Smith, co-founder of Kendal Calling said: “The tents are now being packed away ready for their next festivity and the curtains have closed on what has been an exceptional 17th year in the fields of Kendal Calling.

News and Star: The Blossoms were Saturday headliners at the festival.The Blossoms were Saturday headliners at the festival. (Image: Abbie Jennings)

“What makes this festival truly special is the real sense of community, and from Frank Turner joining Lottery Winners on their main stage debut, KT Tunstall teaming up with Rick Astley and Rick himself even jumping on percussion for a roaring performance of 'Charlemagne' with Blossoms - the camaraderie stretched from the audience to the artists.

“With pop up performances, late night explorations and a secret set (or four) this year has been truly magical.

"From the bottom of our collective hearts, thank you to everyone who comes together to make these beautiful fields one of the happiest places on earth.”