Dave Sweetmore on Kendal Calling, Silent Discos, and Championing New Music
Few names are as synonymous with championing new music in Greater Manchester as Dave Sweetmore.A passionate DJ, host, and presenter, Dave has spent years spotlighting emerging talent and energising crowds across the UK.
From his long-running show on Tameside Radio to appearances at festivals like Adored, Made In Manchester, and North Fest, Dave has become a trusted voice in the world of grassroots music. He’s even toured with the legendary Inspiral Carpets, bringing his infectious energy and encyclopaedic music knowledge to stages across the country.
This summer, he returns once again to Kendal Calling, where he’s become a beloved fixture. You’ll find him behind the decks at the Woodlands Stage for the Silent Disco on Saturday and Sunday night, and also spinning tunes in the Green Room on Saturday afternoon. We caught up with Dave ahead of the festival to talk about his love for Kendal Calling, his journey through music, and what fans can expect from his sets this year.
You’ve been a regular at Kendal Calling for years now—what makes this festival so special to you?
It’s unique in the way it has a real community feel to it. You can’t turn a corner without seeing someone you know, and whether you want to see one of the bigger names or a newer upcoming band there really is something for everyone. It’s always a great, happy, loving atmosphere and place to be, and being located in the Lake District, such a stunning part of the world, it’s always very special.
The Silent Disco has become a fan favourite. What’s the vibe like behind the decks when the headphones go on?
Amazing! When I first got booked to do the silent disco I was a bit unsure what to expect, but being based in the woodlands area, late at night when everyone is in high spirits, it’s always a great vibe. We get thousands to it each night, and playing all the singalong anthems and hearing the crowds always makes me smile. It’s the only time I really work at a silent disco, but I love it. The crowds are brilliant.
You’ve hosted The Dave Sweetmore Show for years, it must have been hard closing that chapter. How has your radio work influenced your live DJ sets?
It was hard to finish, it had been broadcast for almost 11 years, at various stations, but with other work commitments and several tours each year, it was just impossible to commit to every week. I didn’t want to start prerecording the show as it had always been a live interactive show, that was never an option. My radio work never really influenced my live sets, as I’m a DJ first and foremost, and I love being with a crowd, but it did open the door to meeting and working with many new bands which I may not have met, and that’s always been important to me.
You’ve been a huge supporter of grassroots music in Greater Manchester. What new acts should we be keeping an eye on this summer?
That’s a tough one, I could name loads and still forget some! There are people like Alex Spencer and Ambiere whose work I love, and bands such as The Sprats, Inego, Red Light Factory, Sia Raw and Atlas who I love, but there really are so many more. New music is as good as it’s ever been, and with so many ways to listen to music it’s not hard to find and support. You’ve just got to look at bands such as The K’s and Lottery Winners, and seeing how far they have come really makes me happy, as they have worked hard for it.
You’ve toured with legends like Inspiral Carpets. What’s one standout memory from life on the road?
Clint makes great crumpets on the tour bus. Thats one of many! But being around people who I look up to and admire, and who I’m a fan of, is what always stands out for me. The crew and fans of all bands I work with have always been welcoming, and I feel lucky and blessed to do what I do and never take it for granted.
Festivals like Adored and Made In Manchester have a strong local identity. How important is it to you to keep that Northern spirit alive in your work?
It comes naturally, and yes it’s important. I’ve made my name as a DJ and host based on my work on the Northern music scene and that’s something I’m proud of. We’ve such an amazing history, and future, of music and creative people in the North, who are all really passionate. I am proud to play a little part in that scene, and playing the music which we have created over the years fills me with pride.
What’s your approach to curating a set that appeals to both die-hard music fans and casual festival-goers?
To make them have it! I have never wanted to be a DJ standing in the corner just playing music that nobody’s paying attention too, it would bore me. My job is to ensure people have a good time, and that’s what I work hard at. There was a review of the one of the shows on the last Twisted Wheel tour I was DJ on that called me a ‘hype DJ’, due to the crowd being rowdy and up for it when I was playing. I had never heard of that before but was happy to take it!
If you could collaborate with any artist—past or present—who would it be and why?
Difficult question! I’ve toured with some of my favourite bands, and still do. Obvious ones would be Oasis and The Beatles, but as a DJ Fatboy Slim has it all. I’ve never met him before but I am hoping to this weekend! To be honest, I am happy to work with all bands, so any work I get on tours or at gigs is always a pleasure.
Finally, what can fans expect from your sets at Kendal Calling this year? Any surprises in store?
I’ve never actually planned a set in my life, I read the crowd at each show. So as of yet I don’t know! But what the Kendal crowd can expect on both nights in Woodlands is a fast and loud set of absolute bangers and anthems! It’s Kendal Calling, and we are here to have it!
A huge thank you to Dave Sweetmore for taking the time to chat with us—his passion for music and dedication to the scene is truly inspiring. The SoundMate team can’t wait to be back in the fields this weekend, soaking up the atmosphere and catching Dave’s legendary sets among a stacked lineup of talent.
If you are attending Kendal Calling 2025 and want a slice of Dave Sweetmore then head over to the Green Room on Saturday afternoon or head to the Woodlands Stage on Saturday & Sunday night. See you in the fields Dave!