Welcome to Kendal Mountain Festival

An evening of inspiring tales from across the two-wheeled world, hosted by bike messenger turned ultra-endurance cyclist Emily Chappell and local cyclist Ben Dowman. This event is a joyous celebration of cycling and the freedom, opportunity, and adventure it brings to people. From ultra distance challenges to running errands around town, from cargo bikes to e-bikes to gravel bikes and tricycles... there’s something for everyone no matter how fast, far or often you ride.

This year, we're delighted to welcome the one and only Lael Wilcox to Kendal!

Shorelines moves from lavender skies to lighthouses, from surefooted ideas to liminal spaces. It asks what it means to carry hidden histories across borders and generations – and how losing family can mean losing the place they are from too. Above all, it explores how place and identity intertwine, and how our choices, our actions and the ways we build community shape us into who we become.

There will be a book signing straight after the event.

Dive into an evening of powerful stories from the world’s oceans, coastlines and waterways. Ocean & Seas celebrates the people, places and ideas shaping our relationship with the blue spaces that connect us, from surf, sailing and swimming to conservation, exploration and life at the edge of the tide.

Whether you’re drawn to the sea for sport, escape, science or storytelling, Ocean & Seas is an evening for anyone inspired by the power, beauty and fragility of our waters.