Field Journal

After welcoming over 14,500 visitors, hosting 100+ filmmakers and media and enjoying the company of a remarkable collection of guest speakers, the main social event for outdoor enthusiasts in the UK is back for 2016.

Offering by far the largest and most varied programme in its 30+ year history, the 2016 Kendal Mountain Festival will feature hundreds of film screenings including a number of high-profile premieres looking to secure one of the 11 prestigious awards, including the ‘People’s Choice Award’ as voted by festival-goers over the weekend.

Celebrating both the well documented and lesser-known feats of adventure, endurance and exploration the Kendal team have worked hard to curate the very best and most entertaining schedule of speakers to accompany the films at this years’ festival. Headliners for 2016 include Alex Megos, the 20-year-old superstar of modern climbing, Cedar Wright a US climber and filmmaker who’s travelled the world making daring first ascents and some of the leading names from the UK and international mountain biking scene at the ever popular ‘Bike Night’.

The social hub of the event, the Basecamp Village will be brimming and buzzing all weekend with our Sidetracked Cafe & Bar providing refreshments alongside a programme of free performances on the mini stage. For those looking to bring the adventure to life and explore the outskirts of Kendal, a 10K trail run climbing above the town is open to all.

Kendal’s famous specialist events covering Climb, Bike, Snowsports, Endurance Sports, Underground (Cave) and Adventure & Exploration will once again dominate the schedule. This year’s Petzl Rock Session, hosted by Rob Greenwood from UKClimbing, celebrates the athletic and mental challenges of moving over the stone and features several masters of the art.

Kendal are also proud to once again host The Boardman Tasker Prize for Mountain Literature. Established in 1983 to commemorate the lives of Peter Boardman and Joe Tasker, the Boardman Tasker Charitable Trust celebrates their legacy with an annual Award for Mountain Literature and Lifetime Achievement Award.

The perfect environment for those making their first steps into the world of outdoor filmography and photography, The Kendal Mountain Film Academy provides the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to bring stories of adventure and exploration to life, delivered by industry experts, storytellers and professional tutors. Leading photographers will also exhibit their work in various spaces in and around each of the venues.

The 2016 Kendal Mountain Festival promises to be another unmissable year.