It's soon to be that magical time of year again! When the cold sets in and the outdoor community gathers round and sets Kendal abuzz with dazzling films, star speakers and incredible books talks. You'll catch explorers, photographers, artists, filmmakers, doers and thinkers all together in one place united by their shared love of the mountains. Here’s a rundown of what the BMC will be putting on at Kendal.
BMC at Basecamp
Firstly, in between all the films, beers and other events, pop down and say hi to the BMC Team who will be on our Basecamp stand, where you can catch our special BMC volunteer themed exhibition plus you can support our work and become a BMC member at the stand with a special offer and claim a free BMC limited edition Buff worth £19.99.
We will also be running a game in partnership with our Official Outdoor Retailer Cotswold Outdoor where you’ll be in with a chance to win £1,200 of kit. Visit our stand and be in it to win it!
Mountain Training at BMC Basecamp Stand
Maddy from Mountain Training will be on the BMC stand 12-3pm on Saturday so you can go and ask her any questions you have about qualifications and pathways.
BMC x Mountain Training x Komoot Walk | 11.15am Sunday 19th November
A walk with BMC and Mountain Training will be sure to clear the cobwebs on Sunday. Sign up to our free 9km walk around the hills of Kendal.
This lovely circular route takes in Cunswick Scar and the locally known view point, ‘The Mushroom’. At about 9km, this is a great option for those who’d appreciate a late start on Sunday! Want to know more about what the BMC do? Or what qualification pathways there are with Mountain Training? Ask Cress and Nic as you walk. Komoot will kindly be providing hot drinks and cake after the walk.
Free Basecamp Stage Talks
Head on down to the Polartec Bothy Stage in Basecamp, find a camp chair and have a listen to our two BMC discussions over the weekend.
🎙️ Right to Roam: Would the Scotland model work?
Friday 17th November at 12:45 – 13.30
Many of us want more space to walk, climb, run and swim in the great outdoors. So should England and Wales follow a Scottish-style Right to Roam? BMC Ambassador Mary-Ann talks to BMC Welsh Access Officer Eben Muse, Nav Bakhsh the Co-Founder of Scottish Walking charity Boots & Beards, and Duncan Peake from Raby Estates to talk about the future of Right To Roam.
There is renewed political interest in thinking beyond the access we currently have in England and Wales. Perhaps a Right to Roam should be introduced to mirror access laws in Scotland. But would it really work? Would it help those who aren’t currently getting outdoors? Could we see even more visitor pressure in places that are already busy? Would there be more opportunities for other activities such as canoeing, cycling or wild camping? Will landowners like the idea? We try to pose the difficult questions…
🎙️ What’s in a name? Bannau Brycheiniog and Welsh Place Names
Saturday 18th November at 10:45 – 11.15
BMC Cymru Policy & Campaigns Officer Eben Muse speaks to Helen Lucocq, Head of Policy for Bannau Brycheiniog National Park and finds out about why the Park decided to reclaim its Welsh name. Learn how protecting our mountain heritage also means preserving and centering Welsh place names.
Helen is the Head of Strategy and Policy for Y Bannau and was the driving force behind the recent new strategic plan for Y Bannau, which was launched alongside the bold reclaiming of their ancient name.
Women in Adventure Session SOLD OUT
Hosted by Molly Thompson-Smith and Em Lyons, this year is set to be bigger than ever before. We have seven amazing short films to show you with the filmmakers and stars of the films there to share behind-the-scenes anecdotes of their adventures on screen. On top of that, you will get to see who gets crowned for which awards. You will leave inspired! This session is captions and will have BSL interpreters. DM us for the 40% off BMC members code.
Didn't get tickets? Watch all the 2023 films here
BMC Breakfast Club SOLD OUT
Is it the most sought-after event at Kendal? As tickets have now sold out, signs point to yes. This year we’re bringing back the chaotic comedy of Niall Grimes, a sneak peak of the climbing film of the year – Adra – and a chat with its stars Lewis Perrin and Zoe Wood. Plus chats with Steve McClure about his 1000th 8a, and Niall will be speaking to GB climbers Molly Thompson-Smith and Jim Pope and more special guests galore. If you’re going, don’t forget to let us know if you enjoyed it by tagging us in on social media!
See you there!
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