FOLLOWING a 10th anniversary special last summer, Cumbria's biggest music festival is shaping up to be even bigger for 2016.

The first wave of acts to appear at Kendal Calling this year have been announced, with Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Rudimental, Madness and The Charlatans all set to headline.

Arguably the festival's highest-profile guest to date, Manchester legend Noel will be taking to the stage at Lowther Deer Park at the end of July - exactly 20 years to the week since Oasis’s seminal Knebworth and Loch Lomond shows. 

With two critically-acclaimed solo records to his name, the set is also likely to include some old favourites from his earlier career as a genuine musical icon graces the Lake District event for the first time.

With the capacity expected to increase once more, the line-up has also arguably gone up a notch.

Chart-topping drum and bass crossover kings Rudimental have a reputation as one of the best live acts around, and last year’s studio album, We The Generation, helped cement their position among British music's mainstream.

Celebrating 40 years since their formation, London legends Madness are the ultimate sing along band and their hit-laden set is sure to include the likes of Baggy Trousers, One Step Beyond and Our House. 

And a year on from their triumphant return with landmark album Modern Nature, and five years on from the founding of singer Tim Burgess’ festival favourite Tim Peaks Diner, The Charlatans return to Kendal Calling. The North West heroes grace the main stage, while Burgess pops up over the weekend to deliver DJ sets.

The Charlatans frontman commented: "As ever, I'm really looking forward to Kendal Calling. The sixth year in a row for me, the second time The Charlatans will have headlined and this year is the fifth year for Tim Peaks. It's going to be an extra special four days."

Joining the headliners are indie rock sensations Catfish and the Bottlemen, quirky quartet Everything Everything, gritty three-piece Band Of Skulls, incendiary Swedish rock and rollers The Hives, bombastic classic rockers The Darkness, enduring New Yorkers We Are Scientists, the smoky blues of Rag ‘n’ Bone Man and filling the now customary hip-hop legends slot are the mighty Sugarhill Gang.

Over on the dance stage will be none other than returning man of the moment Craig David, living legend David Rodigan MBE and Radio 1 resident Toddla T.

Kendal Calling founder Ben Robinson said: "My first gig in a field was Loch Lomond watching Oasis 20 years ago. That moment defined my youth and calling in the years to follow. 

"Noel’s songwriting has soundtracked the lives of millions over the last two decades - it’s with great pride that we’re able to bring those anthems and his new hits to the fields of Kendal Calling."

Renowned for more than just music, festival-goers will also enjoy four days of arts installations, comedy, gourmet food, kid’s entertainment and a real ale festival all within the confines of what is widely regarded to be the most beautiful festival site in the UK.

Tickets are almost certain to sell out for the festival well in advance, so early booking is advised.

Kendal Calling takes place at Lowther Deer Park, near Penrith, from July 28 to 31, 2016.