Kendal Mountain Festival is almost upon us, with four days of carefully curated films, literature, and speaker events kicking off this time next week. It's a stacked schedule, with something for everyone - here are just a handful of events that shouldn't be missed!

The Impact Of Social Media On Climbing feat. Magnus Midtbø

Thursday 21st November at 8pm

George Lonsdale with a star-studded panel of guest speakers take an in-depth look at the impact of social media on climbing and beyond.

In a digital age where the urge to share our lives on social media is strong, and living in the moment can get forgotten, our panellists will explore the concept of "Pics or it Didn't Happen" – the idea that climbers have to prove to everyone what they did online, so that people may believe it and validate it.

The panel will consist of:

Magnus Midtbø - a Norwegian sport climber and boulderer. He competed extensively between 2002 and 2015 while also climbing hard outdoors at the same time, notably he climbed Ali Hulk (extension sit start) 9b in 2010 (without knee pads!) and onsighted Cosi Fan Tutte 8c+ in 2013. Since retiring from competitions he has started one of the most successful climbing YouTube channels, and has also launched an online education platform called Altitude Climbing.

Hannah Morris - a champion of building a strong climbing community, she has worked to build a space for climbers to connect and find growth through the sport, both online via the Hannah Morris Bouldering YouTube channel and in-person at events across the country.

Veronica Melkonian - UK-based British-Armenian photographer specialising in commercial, portraits, outdoor adventure and sports photography. Starting out on 35mm analogue film and working with Oscar-nominated cinematographer Bradford Young to build his cine technology brand TRIBE7, Veronica took the leap to digital and now uses her camera to increase representation in the outdoors.

Xian Goh - a climbing coach, the author of Smooth: Movement Principles & Techniques for Climbing, and is part of The North Face Explorer team. Xian's achievements include Crescent Arete in Stanage and Riviere d'argent in Verdon. She believes that climbing is a tool for self-discovery and self-care, and hopes to help people have access to it.

 Presented by Rùngne 

Martin Hibbert - Top of the World

Friday 22nd November at 9.15am

Martin Hibbert was left paralysed from the waist down by the Manchester Arena bombing which killed twenty-two people on 22nd May 2017. Martin's teenage daughter Eve was one of the 940 injured - in Eve's case, gravely. The dad from Bolton has since become a leading campaigner both for victims of the atrocity and those with spinal cord injuries.

Determined to make a difference he took on the ultimate challenge; scaling Kilimanjaro in a wheelchair, becoming the second paraplegic to do so, and raising a million pounds for charity. Reaching the summit on 13th June 2022, Martin, who was the closest person to the bomber to survive, said, "I've often wondered why I was saved. Now I know why. It was for this moment."

Martin Hibbert is a dad of one from Bolton, Lancashire. After two separate courses of radical NeuroPhysics therapy in Australia, Martin regained movement in his legs and was able to stand in his callipers. He is the vice-chairman of the Spinal Injuries Association and is also involved in seeking justice for those affected by the Manchester Arena bombing. He hopes to build an NPT clinic in Manchester so all spinal cord injury patients can receive the same radical treatment.

Lhakpa Sherpa: Mountain Queen

Friday 22nd November at 4pm

Lhakpa Sherpa holds the record for climbing Mount Everest a staggering 10 times, the most of any woman - and her story is nothing short of extraordinary.

Lhakpa will be on stage after the screening of her critically acclaimed Netflix film, Mountain Queen, which captures her awe-inspiring journey as she risks it all on a record-breaking ascent of Mount Everest.

As a single mother and a trailblazing adventurer, she defied the odds, braving the world's highest peaks to secure a brighter future for her daughters. This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from Lhakpa about her life, her dreams, and the relentless pursuit of her goals. Grab your tickets and join us for an unforgettable event. 

Adventure Inspired: A Sidetracked Session Presented by Bernese Oberland

Friday 22nd November at 4.30pm

Sidetracked Magazine will be hosting an immersive session exploring the art of storytelling in adventure, framed by the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Bernese Oberland.

Jenny Tough will share tales from all ends of the adventure spectrum, while John Summerton dives into Sidetracked's creative processes. 

Plus legendary climbers Daniela and Robert Jasper share their experiences gained through years of climbing extreme routes on the iconic Bernese mountain: the Eiger.

Photographing The Olympics

Friday 22 November at 9pm

A captivating session with Sam Pratt and Lena Drapella, two of the world's leading climbing photographers. Fresh from their prestigious role as official photographers for Climbing's second appearance at the Olympic Games, Sam and Lena will share their extraordinary journey of being platformed at the highest levels of both sport and photography. 

In addition to Sam & Lena, Molly Thompson-Smith, British rock climber will be talking about her experiences on the greatest sporting stage and what it's like to perform at the highest level.

Their breathtaking images—captured from one of the world's most celebrated sporting stages—offer a unique glimpse into the raw intensity, emotion, and power of Olympic-level competition. In this exclusive event, they'll reveal how they mastered the art of shooting such a dynamic sport, and what it means to be trusted with documenting historic moments in climbing.

This is a rare opportunity to learn from photographers whose work has been showcased on the global stage, pushing the boundaries of both their craft and the sport itself. Whether you're a fan of photography, climbing, or the Olympics, this event promises to inspire with extraordinary visuals and behind-the-scenes stories from the cutting edge of sport photography.

Presented By Tenzing

The Climb Session: Yosemite Special

Saturday 23rd November at 9.30am

Climbers divide into two groups; those who have been to Yosemite, and those who want to.  The legendary California valley, home to the fabled El Capitan, is a place forever intertwined with the history of rock climbing, a crucible where standards have been forced and reputations made for generations.

In what promises to be a very special event, at the helm will be Pete Whittaker, big wall rope-solo specialist and one half of the Wide Boyz. Pete will steer the conversation between Billy Ridal and Alex Waterhouse, Hazel Findlay, Leo Houlding, Jamie Logan and Nina Caprez; a truly unique line-up of guests with conversation and film spanning the legendary Stone Masters era through the Stone Monkeys and right up to the present day.

Presented by La Sportiva.

Sport & Trad Special - Neil Gresham, Anak Verhoeven and Caro Ciavaldini

Sunday 24th November at 11.30am

An exhilarating morning at a Sport & Trad Special, featuring tales from across every corner of climbing. Whether you prefer clipping bolts, wires, screws or flopping onto a mat, you'll find it here.

Presented by Niall Grimes, Neil Gresham and Anak Verhoeven will premiere their new film 'Straight 8s'. Inspired by Dave MacLeod and Dan Turner, who both completed multidisciplinary rounds, Neil set out to create a similar challenge. His ambitious goal was to complete a V8 boulder problem, an E8 trad route, an 8a sport climb, a D8 dry-tooling route, and hike eight Wainwright summits: all within 24 hours. 'Straight 8s' is a tale of partnership and perseverance; as Neil and Anak push their limits, they discover that the greatest challenges are best faced together.

Additionally, Caro Ciavaldini will present her latest film, 'Kindness', offering a heartfelt exploration of her personal experiences and philosophy within the climbing community. She shares stories that highlight the importance of empathy and connection in the pursuit of adventure.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to be inspired by these remarkable achievements and insights into the climbing world.

Men's Mental Health In The Outdoors

Sunday 24th November at 1pm

Inspired by conversations in James Pearson's film, The Walk Of Life, this event brings together renowned climbers James Pearson, Neil Gresham and Billy Ridal to share their personal experiences and challenges surrounding mental health, chaired by Mental Health coach and prolific climber, Angus Kille.

These athletes, often seen at the pinnacle of physical and mental endurance, will delve into the deeply personal aspects of their own mental health struggles, offering a rare and honest glimpse into the emotional toll of their careers and lives outside of climbing.

James Pearson, celebrated for his impressive achievements on some of the world's hardest routes, will speak candidly about the mental health challenges he has faced, from dealing with overwhelming pressure to maintain success, to finding balance in his personal life. 

Neil Gresham, a veteran of the climbing world, will reflect on his journey through periods of stress and mental strain, while Billy Ridal, a rising star, offers a fresh perspective on navigating mental health as a young climber in a highly competitive field. 

Together, their stories highlight the importance of addressing mental health issues head-on, even in environments that often prioritise physical resilience.

This panel discussion will explore the broader topic of Men's Mental Health, using the world of climbing as a lens to address the pressures many men face, whether in sport or everyday life. This event will resonate with anyone interested in understanding the mental health challenges men often confront, both in extreme sports and beyond.

 Presented by La Sportiva

Route Setting Discussion - presented by Beta

Sunday 24th November at 2.30pm

Ever wondered what it takes to set that perfect sit start or how to force that triple coordination dyno? Dive into the art of route setting with special guest route-setters Zoe Wood and Mikey Cleverdon. 

Presented by George Lonsdale and supported by Beta Setting, this session will unlock the secrets behind crafting challenges that turn every climb into a captivating puzzle. Whether you're an aspiring route setter or simply fascinated by the fusion of creativity and athleticism, this event is your gateway to the world of route-setting, delving into everything from competition climbing to creating your own projects.

The Future of Bouldering 

Sunday 24th November at 4pm

Buckle up for the bloc event of the year, exploring all things bouldering.

Presented by renowned climber Shauna Coxsey and featuring bouldering legend Dave Graham, this engaging session will explore bouldering's early beginnings as "Pebble Wrestling" through to its glorified status on the largest stage possible, the Olympics!

Shauna Coxsey is Britain's most successful competitive climber, a two-time IFSC Bouldering World Cup Champion, and represented the UK at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Awarded an MBE for her services to climbing, she continues to inspire with her achievements and passion for the sport. In addition to sharing details of her Olympic commentating experience, Shauna will also be presenting unseen footage from her ascents of Hazel Grace 8B+ and The Boss 8B+.

Dave Graham is an American climber celebrated for his groundbreaking ascents and over two decades of pushing the limits of bouldering. Known for establishing some of the world's hardest boulder problems, his influence on the climbing community is profound.

UK based developer, and northern-bouldering rockstar, Dan Varian will also be on stage. Dan has been on the bouldering scene for a considerable period of time, being one half of the founding members of Beastmaker, as well as clocking up notable ascents of The Rail 8B+ and Bewilderness 8B+.

Whether you're a seasoned climber or new to the sport, this event promises to educate and inspire.

Presented by adidas TERREX

Film Collections: Climb 

Sessions throughout the Festival 22-24 November

Climbing is an expanding culture. Throughout the Festival, there will be a film collections dedicated to climbing characters offering a pick-and-mix of rock types – desert sandstone, hard-as-nails granite, limestone, gritstone and - yes - resin. 

Just grab your popcorn and get stuck in.

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UKC/UKH Staff Picks

Feature Film: The Parkinson's Project

Saturday 23rd November at 9am and 4:30pm

This documentary follows climber and teacher, Chris Hamper, as he navigates his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, and the ways in which it reshapes his relationship with climbing.

From negotiating the physical difficulties of Parkinsons, such as tremors and muscular stiffness, to exploring the effects of reduced dopamine on motivation, this film offers an intimate account of Chris' decision to retire from his job as a teacher in order to climb as frequently as he can, for as long as it remains possible.

Film Collection: Rise Up

Saturday 23rd November at 2:15pm

A collection of films documenting people who are coming up with innovative and compassionate ways to defy prejudice across the world. This varied film collection explores notions of home, belonging, and community, and highlights the efforts of a number of groups and individuals who understand just how valuable - and at risk - these things are.

Mountain Style: An evening of vintage British outdoor clothing

Saturday 23rd November at 5:15pm

A celebration of vintage outdoor clothing with the authors of a new book on the subject, Mountain Style showcases the history, vintage style and visual heritage of British outdoor clothing, charting the evolution from woolly jumpers, army surplus, and tweed, into highly technical specialist gear.

Authors Henry Iddon and Max Leonard detail how manufacturing pioneers and maverick mountaineers pushed clothing further, faster, and higher, sowing the seeds for global brands. From Everest 1953, via 1970s nylon, and the 1980s colour explosion, to football terraces and ram raids: this is the story of how outdoor wear hit the mainstream and created style classics along the way.

Expect a display of clothing from the archives, an author talk with lots of amazing photos, and a period soundtrack – with prizes for the best-dressed vintage gear lovers! There will be a book signing straight after the event.

Laura Laker - Potholes and Pavements

Saturday 23rd November at 3:30pm

What if we were less reliant on our cars? What if there were safe cycling paths to take us places instead? What if those paths led to the next town, the next village, and the countryside beyond? This was the dream of a group of Bristolian idealists in the 1970s when they founded Britain's National Cycle Network, which now runs to nearly 13,000 miles across the country.

Join Journalist Laura Laker on stage as she tells the story of her odyssey around the UK - from the Cairngorms to Cornwall, from the Pennines to the South Wales coast - to see where the NCN began, and where it is now. Hear about this maddening, patchy, and at times dangerous network, and the similarly precarious politics and financing that make it what it is. In a country where 71% of trips are less than five miles, two thirds of Britons say they want to cycle more, and doing so could help our climate, health and wellbeing... Laura says she's on a mission to see if we can make that dream a reality.

Kendal Mountain Rescue Team

Various times

Have you ever wondered what's involved in running a Mountain Rescue Team?

During the festival Kendal Mountain Rescue Team are offering several sessions meeting team members and going on a tour of their Base. As well as learning more about different aspects of what they do and getting to see the vehicles and equipment they use, you can also pick up tips and ideas on how to safely enjoy the hills.

These are free, one-hour sessions with an opportunity to make a discretionary donation towards the Team, a charity that is entirely dependent for funding on the generosity of the local community. Any donations will go directly towards the Team's operations.