'I camped at a festival in my 40s and there are three things I'd never do again'
Like many people my age, I'm no stranger to a music festival so when the chance came to watch some amazing music in a stunning location in the county I grew up in, I jumped at the chance.
Kendal Calling celebrated 20 years of music and partying in the fields this year and since its inception two decades ago it's grown to become one of the best-loved festival experiences in the country.
Nestled in the hills of the north Lake District in the stunning Lowther Park, and yes, closer to Penrith than Kendal, not only does it attract some of the biggest acts but it also comes with utterly stunning views of the lakeland hills.
This wasn't my first time in the fields of Cumbria so I was very confident I knew what I was taking on when I set my heart on spending three nights under the stars, spending the days listening to some incredible music.
Fat Boy Slim's incredible Saturday night set was my highlight of the weekend, I danced my wellies off for two hours (won't lie, this did feel like I'd done a particularly gruelling exercise class the next morning) but Frank Turner, The Prodigy, Reverend and The Makers, Daniel Bedingfield, John Bishop and Nina Nesbitt must also get a special mention for being utterly amazing.
Kendal Calling has grown massively in size since my first time in the fields back in 2014, with disco tents, game shows, silent discos in the woods, comedy, more food and drink stalls than you could shake a stick at, and even bingo and a massive light up globe now providing more entertainment than anyone could possibly see in one weekend. There really is something for everyone.
And while I had an absolutely epic weekend what I hadn't taken into account was that the last night I partied near Penrith, I was still in my 30s.
Don't get me wrong, it was an amazing weekend and we're all already planning our next visit next year, but camping at a festival in your 40s compared to 11 years ago is definitely a very different experience.
With this in mind, there are three things I'd never, ever do again.
1. I would not spend less than £20 on a sleeping bag
What was I thinking? I grew up in Cumbria, I know it's not the Med, I know it gets cold when the sun goes down, I know sleeping outside will be chilly. I don't know if living in London for the last 10 years has addled my brain but when you're camping, you need a good quality sleeping bag to keep you warm under canvas in the cold night air. Waking up shivering because you need to nip to the loo at 3am is not fun in your 40s, if it ever was. So quite what panic possessed me to order the cheapest sleeping bag I could find is beyond me. Next time, and believe me, I've really caught the camping bug with this, I'll be investing in a cosy arrangement, designed to keep me totally warm.
2. I would not think a single sleeping mat is sufficient
Again, what was I thinking? We all know as the clock strikes midnight on your 40th birthday, something strange and awful happens to your back. Your start making that dreadful noise when you get off the sofa. Sitting for too long hurts. I've even managed to sprain my back by turning to look at someone too vigorously, so clearly sleeping on the cold, hard floor for three nights is going to hurt. One thing I've discovered since turning 40 is comfort is key. Next time I decide to sleep under the stars, I'll be packing a lovely, double airbed for maximum comfort.
3. I would not forget my thermals
All of my loved ones are aware I hate nothing more than being cold. Ignore the myth that northerners are hard and can cope with chilly temperatures, I can confirm I am utterly pathetic. I'm always the first person I know to flip the heating on, sleep under a huge duvet, often with two hot water bottles as soon as the heat of summer is over. So what was going through my brain when I packed a normal pair of PJs for three nights in the open air, we'll never know. Next time, I'll be wrapped up in thermals, probably several layers, and woolly socks.
See you in the fields next year. For more information about Kendal Calling 2026 click here.
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