Illegal drugs will be once again found by Cumbria’s sniffer dogs at the biggest music festival in the county.

More than 30,000 people are expected to arrive this weekend for Kendal Calling at Lowther Deer park close to Penrith.

The event in the past has seen people die after taking illegal substances.

Police want to stop them entering the festival in the first instance.

Cumbria Police have been at the site all week taking part in sweeps of the grounds and checking for any areas drugs could be hidden.

Festival-goers will all be checked by the dog unit when they enter and the animals will be on-site all weekend.

The police have been searching the traders as they arrive and have already removed people who had tried to bring the illegal items in.

Bronze Commander for the event Inspector Kim Brennand said: “The police dog unit started on Monday and they are currently searching caterers and traders, the first three days have been about searching them.

“Our role, in conjunction with the organisers, is to try and limit the number of controlled drugs and illegal substances getting on to the site.

“Historically, we’ve had traders attempt to bring drugs in for other people, thinking they wouldn’t be searched.

“The police dogs search by the nose so the work that they can do in the vehicles is much quicker than getting officers to do that job.

“One of our dogs has had a find in an interior light, it could have potentially taken us two or three hours to find, it took the dog a couple of minutes.

“Another reason for the dogs is we want people to get in quickly.

“We don’t want to ruin peoples experience of coming to the festival.”

The police are doing everything in their power to keep revellers safe by using information about drugs from other forces and from other festivals.

Inspt Brennand added: “We have a good relationship with other forces around the country and other festivals that have happened.

“We share that information so if there are any concerns from the others festivals, we can get that information out there.

“At this stage, I’m not too concerned about anything that is coming.

“We want people to enjoy themselves and not bring drugs, leave them at home.”

Organisers have once again managed to attract a top class field of entertainment for festival goers.

Thursday will see English dance music duo Orbital, who will no doubt kick off proceedings on the Main Stage with their electronic sound, including popular 1990s track Halcyon & On & On.

Friday will feature everyone’s favourite Nile Rodgers & Chic, who will perform hits Good Times and Le Freak.

Also performing on Friday will be synth-pop trio Years & Years and Reverend and the Makers.

Saturday will kick off with performances from Welsh legends Manic Street Preachers, and indie rock band Doves.

The Main Stage performances will conclude on Sunday with the Courteeners and a special guest appearance from Welsh crooner Sir Tom Jones.

Comedians on the bill include Josh Widdecombe, Reginald D Hunter and Justin Moorhouse.

Ben Robinson, Kendal Calling founder and director, is lead vocalist for new post-punk band Hello Cosmos.

Manchester-based Hello Cosmos have performed at festivals in Manchester and Northwich to low-key events at working men’s clubs.

However, the band is set to take to the stage in front of their biggest crowd yet at Kendal Calling, which Robinson admits is ‘like coming home’.

He said: “I have played in bands for many years, which was my main motivation behind founding Kendal Calling.

“I’m looking forward to be on the stage, rather than pulling the strings behind it.

“I love doing all the intricate work behind the festival, but it’s important to find space within music to jump in and just have fun.

“Performing in Cumbria will be like coming home for me.”