Attractions have been added to the programme, including two adventure film nights and a high energy orienteering challenge. Ticket sales are up 15% year on year, and many events are already sold out. Organisers are urging visitors to book soon to avoid disappointment and are recruiting extra volunteers to help deliver the festival, which will run from 15-17 May.

Founded in 2007 and sponsored by outdoor brand Thule, Keswick Mountain Festival (KMF) is one of the UK’s best-loved and most popular outdoor events, and kicks off the summer with a mix of outdoor sports and activities, live music, speakers, food and drink, and exhibitors and retail. The heart of KMF is the Festival Village in Crow Park on the shore of Derwentwater, with a backdrop of iconic Lake District fells.

 The Keswick Mountain Festival Village in 2025  photo: Paul Mitchell

KMF organisers have added new features to the programme for visitors, and enhanced facilities and systems to accommodate the expected increase in numbers. As well as being a base for the start and finish of various races and other events during the festival, the KMF Festival Village will host three bars, with greater capacity and more staff than in 2025. They include the Theakston Lakeside Bar, with a selection of products from the famous brewery. Meanwhile, on-site registration for sports events will be open for longer, and two extra attractions have now been confirmed for festival goers to enjoy.

After a successful debut last year, Kendal Film Nights return to Keswick Mountain Festival on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 May, delivered in partnership with Kendal Mountain Festival. Friday’s ‘A Running Special’ will feature a curated selection of local and international running films celebrating every aspect of the sport, from tarmac and trails to mud and scree, including stories from competitive fell

runners to an 86-year-old marathon runner. Meanwhile, Saturday’s ‘Kendal Mountain UK Tour’ programme will showcase award-winning short adventure films capturing some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, appealing to both avid explorers and those who simply appreciate the beauty of nature.

 An outdoor wellness session at Keswick Mountain Festival   photo: Paul Mitchell 

Both events take place at the Pencil Factory from 7:00pm, with Nomad Pizza serving woodfired pizzas on site and Durty Brewing hosting a pop-up can bar. Tickets are priced at £12 for adults and £8 for under-16s and can be booked at https://keswickmountainfestival.co.uk/film.

Also new to the Friday night line-up is the Quick Draw Score (QDS), from the team behind the Quid Games series. QDS is an urban orienteering event with a DJ, delivered by SportsShoes and British Orienteering, and sponsored by adidas TERREX. Taking place around Keswick with a 6:45pm start, it’s a 60-minute challenge featuring one map, total route freedom and live checkpoints. Participants choose their own strategy - balancing speed, risk and point collection across the town centre, with some checkpoints offering prizes.

Open to over 18s, entry is £10 per person and closes on Thursday 14 May. No experience is needed. Part race, part game, part adventure, it will conclude with food, drinks and a DJ at the event base. To enter visit https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?elid=Y&event_id=17819.

Another addition to Keswick Mountain Festival this year include is a sauna at the event’s campsite at Springs Farm. Time in the sauna, along with yoga, wellness and recovery, accessible guided walks and paddle sports, can be booked in advance at https://keswickmountainfestival.co.uk/outdoor-activities.

Like other festivals, KMF needs a large team of volunteers, and is recruiting extra helpers for this year’s event. All volunteers are entitled to free camping (tents only) and car parking, along with access to the festival’s speaker and live music programmes when they’re not on duty. Full details of the volunteering opportunities can be found at https://keswickmountainfestival.co.uk/volunteer.

Jamie Simpson, marketing director of Keswick Mountain Festival, comments: “A year ago, Keswick Mountain Festival was at risk of not continuing. The response to our commitment to return has been hugely encouraging, from the sponsors and partners who have got involved, and especially from the public who have booked their places. This has enabled us to add even more to the programme, and we’re preparing for our biggest ever festival. We can’t wait to welcome visitors to this beautiful location for a wonderful weekend.”

For all of the latest information about the 2026 Keswick Mountain Festival and to book tickets, visit www.keswickmountainfestival.co.uk, and find the festival on social media for the latest news about the event.