"They should have booked INSERT MASSIVE BAND HERE!", we all cry. "Why don't they just put on more loos?", we ask. Seriously, when it comes down to it, we don't know much about running a festival. But that's okay, because we've tracked down the people behind your favourite events, and asked them all the questions you'll ever need to know. (Okay, maybe not the toilet one.) Next up, we have Emma Zillman from Kendal Calling, which takes place this weekend (26th-29th July) at Lowther Deer Park in the Lake District with sets from The Libertines, Run DMC, White Lies, Declan McKenna, The Sherlocks, Black Honey, The Amazons, Tom Grennan, Pale Waves and more.
Hey Emma, how did you get into working on festivals?
I spent eight years in various unfulfilling media jobs, before a good friend helping me through a quarter-life crisis hooked me up with working on a tiny festival in the New Forest in my spare time.
It completely took over my life – I loved it! A few months later I introduced myself to Kendal Calling director Andy Smith in a bar in Brighton, and the rest is history. Without any prior experience, I pretty much relied on passion and determination.
It’s incredible how quickly Kendal Calling seems to sell out every year, what do you think is key to the festival’s success?
There is just something for everyone at KC. From secret sets from headliners in a 200 cap cabin (Tim Peaks) to hidden disco ball bars in the woods and performances spanning everything from Brian Wilson to Snoop Dogg, I just don’t think people ever get bored there.
It’s not unusual for people to come alone and leave with a gang of new lifelong friends.
