The basics
The former Hard Rock Calling still has a rock-heavy lineup, but these days the Clapham Common festival is a little more open. Expect the buzz to remain the same.
The festival
The trend towards intimate, boutique festivals hasn’t stopped some events pulling out the big names for the occasion, and London’s Calling (formerly known as Hyde Park Calling, then Hard Rock Calling) is no exception. Held on Clapham Common these days, Calling is populist and proud, and though there’s no camping at the venue, the atmosphere’s still one of celebration and good times in the (if we get any) summer sun.
The lineup in 2014 was heavyweight, if not exactly deep, with Aerosmith headlining a rawk-filled Saturday along with Joe Bonamassa, Richie Sambora and veteran British rockers Thunder. On the Sunday Stevie Wonder tops the bill, after Paloma Faith, Jack Johnson and Grammy-winning jazz singer Gregory Porter.
It might not pull in the hipsters, but Calling is a crowd-pleaser that’s big, brassy and a lot of fun.
Our tip
The weather, it probably doesn’t need to be said, can be as bad as it can be beautiful in June. If the worst happens, unusually you’re allowed a small umbrella at Calling – though you won’t be popular if it ruins the view of everyone around you.
Lineup
Getting there
How do I get there?
Calling Festival is on Clapham Common.
The best way to travel to the festival is by using public transport. Please visit the TFL website for further information.
Tickets
Pricing
(2014)
Standard Saturday Ticket: £64
When can I get them?
Tickets on sale now
Where can I get them?
Tickets will be availablevia Festicket.
