KMF returns as an in-person event from 18-21 November, and the adventures of Berghaus athletes and their friends will feature throughout, with film premieres, talks and a session on how the brand has adapted kit for a quadriplegic climber.
Thursday 18 November
‘All for One’ world film premiere at 9:30pm with Sabrina Verjee, Brewery Arts Centre
In June 2021, on her fourth attempt, ultra-runner Sabrina Verjee set a new fastest known time for completing a continuous road of the 214 Wainwright fells in the Lake District, finishing her journey of 525km and 36,000m of ascent in five days, 23 hours and 49 minutes. Presented by The Endurance Creative, a collaboration between the film’s director Steve Ashworth and Summit Fever Media, ‘All for One’ chronicles Sabrina’s personal quest and the contributions of her dedicated support team, and puts on display the Lakeland landscape that she ran through.
Sabrina Verjee on Lingmoor, her final Wainwright - © Steve Ashworth
Friday 19 November
‘The Second Summit’ UK film premiere at 4:30pm with Mick Fowler and Victor Saunders, Brewery Arts Centre
Almost 30 years after they last climbed together, Mick Fowler and Victor Saunders reunited in 2016 to make a first ascent on Sersank in the Indian Himalaya. They enjoyed the reunion so much that they agreed to return to India to attempt the unclimbed 6,000m peak Chombu, but Mick’s cancer diagnosis delayed the trip until 2019. Directed and produced by Hugo Saunders (Victor’s son), ‘The Second Summit’ follows Mick and Vic as they try to become the first people to set foot on Chombu’s summit, in a tale that is interwoven with the back story of their historic partnership.
Mick Fowler (left) and Vic Saunders - © Berghaus
‘House of the Gods’ world film premiere at 7:00pm with Leo Houlding and Anna Taylor, Brewery Arts Centre, followed by the House of Gods Afterparty
In late 2019, Leo Houlding led a team of climbers to attempt a new route on the iconic prow of Mount Roraima in the Amazon rainforest. On the team, and on her first big wall expedition, was young Cumbrian climber, and fellow Berghaus athlete, Anna Taylor. Leo, Anna and the crew were guided through the jungle to the base of Roraima by Edward James and colleagues from the indigenous Akawaio people. For most porters on western expeditions, that was where their journey would have ended, but not this time. Courtesy of Coldhouse Collective, ‘House of the Gods’ tells the story of how the Akawaio supported Leo, Anna and team through the jungle, and how they then committed to helping Edward reach the summit. The premiere is already sold out, but tickets are available for the House of Gods Afterparty.
Anna and Leo enjoy the sun on the Invisible Ledge on Roraima - © Coldhouse Collective & Berghaus
Saturday 20 November
Berghaus presents Ed Jackson and Leo Houlding at 4:30pm, Kendal Town Hall
When quadriplegic adventurer Ed Jackson set out to tackle Mont Blanc, nothing went as planned. Faced with a complete change of strategy, Ed, supported by Leo Houlding, pushed himself to achieve more than he had ever thought possible. Here, Ed and Leo talk about their incredible experience on the mountain, brought to life through exclusive footage and photography from the trip.
Leo Houlding and Ed Jackson during their 2021 expedition to Mont Blanc - © Berghaus and In The Dark Productions
Berghaus Women in Adventure session at 8:00pm, featuring Anna Taylor, Kendal Town Hall
Once again, Berghaus will present the always popular Women in Adventure session, celebrating the exploits of incredible women in the outdoors. The evening will feature Anna Taylor, fresh from her self-powered Classic Rock round. Anna completed all 83 climbs featured in Ken Wilson’s iconic book in just 62 days, climbing 10,000 metres and cycling 2,500 kilometres around England, Wales and Scotland in the process, enduring all that the UK weather gods could throw at her along the way.
Also on stage will be: Gail Muller who overcomes chronic pain to explore the wild outdoors; Amira Patel, founder of The Wanderlust Women, a hiking group for Muslim women; pro mountain bike photographer Saskia Dugon and her mum Margie Dugon. In an event that will celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion in the outdoors, there will also be music from Evie Plumb, lead singer for LOWES.
Anna Taylor in Classic Rock action on Sron na Ciche on Skye - © Neil Gresham
Sunday 21 November
Specialist kit session in Basecamp Village all day with Ed Jackson and the Berghaus team
As a quadriplegic adventurer, Ed Jackson has to overcome many physical challenges in the mountains. One aspect that has the potential to jeopardise the success of every expedition is the fact that Ed cannot regulate his lower body temperature. He also has to wear a leg brace and that means that legwear and other products have to be carefully adapted for him. In the build-up to every trip, he works closely with the team at Berghaus to prepare kit from the brand’s range so that it works for his particular circumstances. This is an approach that Berghaus has taken to varying degrees over many years.
Using its in house design team and sample room facilities, the company has responded to the specific requirements of sponsored athletes such as Ed and Mick Fowler, helping them and others to continue accessing the mountains, despite some very significant obstacles that other climbers don’t have to face. Ed Jackson and the Berghaus product team will showcase the work that they have done together, which has allowed Ed to feed his appetite for outdoor adventure.
For full details and timings of Berghaus activities at Kendal Mountain Festival keep an eye on the Berghaus website, visit the Berghaus Facebook page, and follow @TheRealBerghaus (Twitter) and @berghausofficial (Instagram). To book tickets for Kendal Mountain Festival events, visit www.kendalmountainfestival.co.uk.