Simon Yates
The Keswick Mountain Festival has announced its biggest ever line up of speakers for the event, which runs from the 15th-18th May. 11 of the UK’s most high profile advenurers are set to speak in the Theatre by the Lake on the shore of Derwentwater, with the 2013 programme offering a mix of adventurers, climbers, cyclists, celebrities, a photographer and a Paralympic medallist.
Photographer John Beatty will open the event on the 15th May by sharing some of his images from 25 years of assignments to over 38 different countries. On the same night, environmentalist and cyclist Kate Rawles will also speak, along with explorer, TV and radio broadcaster and vice president of the Royal Geographical Society, Paul Rose. Road and track cycling legend Graeme Obree will feature on 16th May, followed by the only Brit to have climbed all 14 8,000m peaks, mountaineer Alan Hinkes. The evening will be closed by adventurer, BBC documentary maker and best-selling author Mark Beaumont, who will speak about his latest challenge – ocean rowing.
But it’s the final two days of the festival that really whets our appetites, with Nick Bullock, Karen Darke and Sir Chris Bonington taking to the stage on the 17th, followed by Simon Yates on 18th May, and culminating with climbing’s latest double act, Andy Kirkpatrick and daughter Ella, who will talk about their quest to climb the giant El Capitan together.
Tickets for speaking events at the Keswick Mountain Festival are available now, with prices starting at £10.50. For full details of the programme and to buy tickets call the theatre box office on 017687 74411 or visit the event’s website below.
RELATED LINKS
www.keswickmountainfestival.co.uk