Keswick Mountain Festival is ready once again to welcome thousands of visitors to the town this weekend.
Blending its much-loved mix of sporting events, outdoor activities, live music, inspiring speakers, hands-on taster sessions, exhibitor stands, the hugely popular
KMF Accessible Adventure Zone, food and drink, and family-friendly camping, the festival promises unforgettable moments for visitors of all ages.
Based in Crow Park on the picturesque shores of Derwentwater, the festival village will be open all weekend and is free to enter until 5pm each day, offering a lively mix of exhibitor stands and taster sessions — ranging from axe throwing, yoga and a climbing wall, to an inflatable obstacle course and guided canoeing.
Some activities will be free at the point of access, while others will operate on a pay-as-you-go basis. After 5pm, entry to the site will require either a general festival ticket or entry to a sports event.
The live music programme has been significantly expanded for 2025. Performances will take place across the site, including solo acts in the re-imagined food and drink area, a new hangout zone with relaxed seating under a stretch tent, and in a DJ bar tipi at the top of the hill. Evening headline acts will perform on the main stage, with music running from 5.30pm to 10pm on Friday and Saturday.
Tent Talks will run across all three days in the festival village, with appearances from leading names in outdoor adventure and sport. KMF remains committed to sustainability and inclusivity, with ongoing support for conservation work on Catbells through its partnership with the National Trust and Fix the Fells. Organisers will also continue working with local venues and businesses to bring the festival atmosphere into the heart of Keswick and boost the local economy.
Below are just a few specific activities to look out for on each day.
Friday May 16 — The 20km Skiddaw Mountain Run (4:30pm). There will also be a race within the race, a timed ascent to the summit to crown the ‘Champion of Skiddaw’. Tent Talks (from 1:30pm) — free to attend on a first-come, first-served basis for sports event and festival ticket holders in the Tent Talks Tent.
Friday’s talks will kick off with Jo Moseley, a stand up paddleboarder, author and campaigner known for her inspiring journeys and environmental advocacy. She will be followed by Amber Keegan, a world-class open water swimmer who has represented Great Britain at two world championships and completed a solo English Channel crossing.
Next, ultra runner and content creator Tommy Lewis will take to the stage to share insights from his endurance challenges and his work founding That’s Runnable. Rounding off the Friday line-up, Sunday Times chief sports writer David Walsh — a four-time Irish Sports Writer of the Year — will reflect on his acclaimed journalism career and the major stories he’s uncovered.
Kendal Mountain Tour (7.30–9pm, Theatre by the Lake) – This specially curated 90-minute screening features a powerful mix of short films celebrating outdoor spirit, resilience and connection to the natural world.
Saturday May 17 —Keswick 3 Peaks Hike (from 7:30am) — this is a mid-level, circular hike over the three peaks surrounding Derwentwater: Catbells, Walla Crag and Latrigg. The route covers 18 miles with 1,050m of ascent.
Thule Keswick Conqueror (starting 8:45am) – taking place on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May. Participants can ‘conquer’ Keswick in this multi-day triathlon challenge, featuring a 3.6km swim in Derwentwater and a 25km trail run around the valleys of Borrowdale and Watendlath and ending with a spectacular tarmac 100km road sportive on Sunday.
Speedo Derwent Isle 1.5km Swim (12pm) — the 1.5km open water swim in Derwentwater is a great option for more experienced open water swimmers (ages 18+ only) and includes one lap of Derwent Isle. Saturday’s Tent Talks will begin with endurance athlete and trail runner Elise Downing, who will share her experiences of long-distance challenges. Next, gravel cycling author and adventurer Hetty Kingston will delve into the world of cycling and adventure, followed by Timothy Taylor’s beer tasting at the DJ Bar, from 12pm-1pm.
Live music from noon to afternoon. As the evening draws in, the main stage will come alive with the sounds of rock and rhythm blues from The Thieving Magpies, followed by the reggae vibes of State of Satta. DJ legend Norman Jay MBE will then bring the night to a close with his famous ‘rare groove’ set, promising an unforgettable finale.
Sunday May 18 —Adidas Terrex 50k Trail Ultra Marathon (6am) — a challenging ultra taking in some of the best trails and views that the Watendlath, Borrowdale, Buttermere and Newlands valleys have to offer. Back O’Skiddaw 100km cycle (8:30am) — this sportive presents a challenging ride with steep ascents and scenic routes. Tent Talks (from 1pm) — sessions begin with Keri Wallace, author and founder of Girls on Hills, introducing her guidebook Running Challenges.
Next, Sky Sports News presenter and football pundit Clare Tomlinson shares her insights. The day wraps up with Andy Dickson’s one-man stand-up comedy show.
Live music (from noon) — live daytime music will continue at Electric Boutique at the DJ Bar courtesy of Carl Higson & DJ Coolhand, while The Hangout line-up includes Alfie Davies, Clara Pople and Tom Dibb, who will showcase their talents and captivating sounds.
