Andy studied Theatre & Event Technology at Kendal College and in the late stages of the course, he became very interested in promoting a music festival. This is where the idea of the Kendal Calling festival was born!
I thoroughly enjoyed all my time at college. The build up throughout the term to the end of year theatrical production was wonderful, especially the camaraderie of bring a part of a large project and seeing it all come together. I still use many of my skills learned there.
Why did you choose to study at Kendal College?
Being interested in organising live events, Kendal College was the obvious choice. The Entertainment Production course is unique to the area and great for hands on experience taught by knowledgeable and experienced lecturers.
I enjoyed my time at the college. The Allan building (Arts & Media campus) is a hub of creativity and an inspiring place to learn.
What are your most memorable moments of College?
I thoroughly enjoyed all my time at college. The build up throughout the term to the end of year theatrical production was wonderful, especially the camaraderie of bring a part of a large project and seeing it all come together. I still use many of my skills learned there - from gantt charts to budgeting, creating running orders and timesheets, to the exciting world of lighting and sound design. Working with other disciplines e.g. drama and music students was a great benefit.
What advice would you give potential students thinking of studying at Kendal College?
My advice would be that networking is so important – you never know where a relationship will take you or how it might help you in the future. Secondly, – don’t wait around for someone to give you something to do, be it a project or a job. Follow every opportunity that comes your way, you never know which one will take you places. Make the best use of your time – come up with your own ideas and develop those. Most importantly – don’t be disheartened! Most ideas fail. Learn from your mistakes and try again and again.
How did it come about that you founded Kendal Calling?
I was in a band, I was about 15, I wasn’t very good. They promoted me to the role of manager. And because the band wasn’t very good no one wanted to book them for a gig, so I thought I’ll put on my own gig. We hired out the Village Hall, the maths teacher from school was the responsible adult, although he went straight to the pub. He set the PA System up and left us to it. We had a lot of fun raided the props cupboard, an ambulance turned up, we had a great time. So, I thought let’s do this a bit more often. I did those monthly, then went to Leeds Festival and thought this is a lot of fun. Then went to a few raves and thought this is really fun, but then the police asked if we could stop doing illegal things and make them legal, so we did. When the police said we will help you we thought, “No really? Oh that’s lovely.” They introduced us to Kendal Council, so said, “We have Abbot Hall Park, it would be lovely if you do something here.” So we asked British Sea Power and Pendulum and they both said yes.
Did you ever consider it would become a regular successful event?
We started it's life in 2006- we were looking it as one off thing, and thought we’d see how it goes. But, we certainly had absolutely no dream of it ending up anywhere near what it’s become. I’d just never have imagined that. It’s been a fantastic, brilliant, brilliant journey over the years, we’ve found ourselves in some very interesting places, and meeting some very interesting characters.
This festival was the first of many different festivals that we run – including Bluedot, Off the Record, Inner City Electronic – and other work in the industry including artist management and publishing a music magazine (The Live Guide) and running a venue (33 Oldham Street).
