By Jo Lowes

A Macclesfield band rose to the challenge as they unexpectedly headlined a north west music festival.

Last weekend, 40,000 festival goers gathered in the fields for a sold-out Kendal Calling in the heart of the Lake District.

The Festival began on Friday evening, with Wigan's newcomers Lathums warming up festivalgoers and drew a huge crowd in Deer Park. Their ever-gaining popularity has soared throughout the summer with a massive sold-out 8000 capacity show at Castlefield Bowl and Glasto set.

With two U.K. top 10 albums under their belt and clear personal connection to their north west roots Lathums are the band to watch as the next huge UK act.

THE LADS FROM MACC: Rob and Lou (front two) went to what is now The Fallibroome Academy, while Jake (drummer) attended All Hallows Catholic College. (Image - Puffer Fish Press)

Following on from the top UK independent band, were 'Macclesfield's finest' musicians Cassia.

Thanks to a last minute slot change Cassia were bumped to headline the Calling Out stage on Friday night of Kendal Calling.

They were initially meant to play on Saturday mid-afternoon.

Despite the ever-gathering rain clouds the band delivered a set of sunshine feel good hits including Slow, Motions and Right There to an eager and appreciative crowd.

The Macclesfield band released their second album 'Why You Lacking Energy?' last summer. (Image - Puffer Fish Press)

It was a tough slot to take on going against the main stage mammoth headliners Kasabian, but the Macclesfield band filled the new bands tent with fans both old and new. 

Cassia's festival billing promotion came on the same day as their new single whatstheuse, which can be listened to at the top of this article.

The trios members are from Prestbury, the Moss estate and Tytherington.

They often rehearse in Macclesfield's Trackside Studios, of Elizabeth Street.

The three-piece are Rob Ellis (vocals, guitar), Lou Cotterill (bass), and Jacob Jeff (drums). (Image - Puffer Fish PR)

They weren't the only local talent, as Saturday night of Kendal Calling ended with Stockport five-piece Blossoms, who gave an exceptional Saturday night main stage headline performance complete with a personal introduction from the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham.

The band were celebrating their ten year anniversary of forming and eight years since their first Kendal Calling slot. With a set including all major hits from their 4 studio albums and featured a guest drummer of Rick Astley for "Charlemagne" after smashing his own previous main stage set which saw Deer Park join in with his legendary hit "Never Gonna Give You Up".

Saturday also saw an early set from the Kendal favourites the Lottery Winners to get the crowd suitable geared up for the days musical treat ahead, with Frank Turner joining them on stage for their collaboration "Letter To Myself" much to the delight of fans.

Other highlights of the weekend include open the stage Sunday with the ultimate hang over cure of festival favourite The Lancashire Hotpots'. While a more home grown legend of the screen Paddy Considine took to the stage his musical side project Riding The Low.\

Newton-le-Willows showman Rick Astley performed with Stockport-band Blossoms once again, after recapturing the nation's hearts during Glastonbury. (Image - Puffer Fish Press)

Review by Macclesfield's Puffer Fish Press, who organise Macclesfield's Party in the Pews Festival.

By Jo Lowes

See Also: Five ways to help reduce your energy costs this summer

Advertise your Macclesfield business for FREE on our Shop Local page.

Macclesfield: Have you signed up for our FREE Friday weekly newsletter? It contains each week's top five Macclesfield news stories, and one EXCLUSIVE article?

Simply enter your email address on this link.

Free from pop-up ads, or unwanted surveys, Macclesfield Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

You can find us on Facebook and Twitter.