The Kendal Mountain Festival rolls into town for the 15th year, and includes special guests including Josh Bryceland – here are some words from the organisers:
15 Years, Bigger, Better, Best – Kendal Mountain Festival 2014
A small Cumbrian market town set on the edge of the Lake District is set to play host to the biggest event of its type in the world for the 15th straight year.
Kendal Mountain Festival, the main social event for UK outdoor enthusiasts in the UK, draws over thousands of people into the area between 20-23 November. There will be hundreds of film screenings, including high-profile premieres, plus over 40 speakers and special guests making this a must-do long weekend in the Lake District.
Ueli Steck, ‘The Swiss machine’ comes to Kendal fresh from his latest exploits. Last year the man who holds the speed record for the North Face of the Eiger (2hrs 47min) focused on the high peaks of the Himalayas, soloing the South Face of Annapurna in an astonishing 28 hours. His staggering tick-list includes everything from El Capitan free climbs and 5.13 solos, to 8,000m peaks and bold solos and speed records in the Alps and the Canadian Rockies – this is a chance to hear the finest Alpinist of his generation talk about his experiences. (Pic below Ueli Steck)
Dave Cornthwaite, adventurer, author and film-maker, who since quitting his life as a couch potato in 2005, got busy; including skateboarding across Australia, paddleboarding the Mississippi and swimming the Lower Missouri as well as writing three books, breaking eight world records and making hundreds of short films.
Hazel Findlay, the first British woman to crack a F8c climb with a recent ascent of Fish Eye at Oliana, Spain. Hazel was introduced to climbing at the age of seven, claiming the title of British junior champion six times. At 16, she shifted her focus to the outdoors, becoming one of the UK’s foremost climbers along the way.(Pic below Hazel Findlay, 8B, El Cap)
Josh Bryceland, the current UCI MTB Downhill World Cup overall champion and an integral part of the Santa Cruz Syndicate team. When he was 5 years old Josh watched the MBUK video “Dirt” and from then on Steve Peat, Rob Warner, Jason McRoy and Will Longden became his heroes. Steve soon went on to become Josh’s mentor, helping him progress in DH racing and becoming instrumental in his Junior World Cup and World Championships wins. (Pic below: Josh Bryceland © SantaCruz Bicycles)
If modern British adventure has a face, it looks a lot like Leo Houlding. Based in the Lake District, he is one of Britain’s top climbers and among the best in the world. Leo is a veteran of a score of epic ascents including Everest but specializes in free climbing the most technical peaks and biggest walls in the world. An experienced base jumper he is at the forefront of Para-Alpinism (climbing up then flying down). Leo pushes the limits of exploratory adventure by taking the ultimate in extreme sports to the most extreme environments. An articulate communicator he has captivated and inspired audiences around the world with his tales of adrenalin-fuelled exploits, becoming an ambassador for next generation of young climbers.
Thomas De Dorlodot, is one of those rare breeds of professional paraglider and paramotor pilots, who spend their time travelling around the world seeking new adventures. Tom learned how to fly as a teenager, skipping some essential rules while testing new skills; he flew his paramotor over cloud layers before he could even navigate! Once he gained sufficient experience, he became the first pilot to fly over the Machu Pichu in 2008, has since competed in the Red Bull X-Alps, and has flown extensively in the Himalayas.
‘KMF’ is the leading festival of its kind in the world. It is an internationally renowned event, attracting film premieres from around the globe. Film-makers, TV producers, adventurers, climbers and world-class lecturers gather to take part in four packed days covering all aspects of mountain and adventure sports culture.
At the heart of Kendal’s programme is the mountain film competition, attracting film premières from around the world. Over 50 films are screened (from 200+ entries) with 11 coveted prizes up for grabs.
However, KMF is not all extreme action – films genres include culture, drama, wildlife and environmental documentaries, plus a huge lecture programme. Other highlights include art exhibitions, literature events, including the coveted Boardman Tasker Prize for Mountain Literature and the highly respected ‘Adventure Film Academy’ for aspiring film-makers.
Together with the photography events, numerous competitions, specialist sports nights (Bike, Snowsports, Free-Flight, Underground and Endurance Sports) and the KMF for Schools programme, KMF is the world’s ‘must do’ mountain festival.
Richard Greenwood, Cumbria Tourism’s Operations Manager, said: ‘’Kendal has an enviable reputation for the creative and the contemporary, and KMF is shining example of that. We are all looking forward to seeing the town become a world centre for adventure sports for the 15th straight year – the UK’s Adventure Capital. There is no doubt that events of this calibre put the Lake District; Cumbria, firmly on the world stage and visitors from near and far can expect a warm welcome in what promises to be the best Kendal Mountain Festival yet!’’
For information about the Lake District Cumbria, The UK’s Adventure Capital please visit: www.golakes.co.uk/adventure-capital/ For more info about what’s on and when visit: www.mountainfest.co.uk
