Keswick Mountain Festival 2026
Founded in 2007, KMF has become one of the UK’s best-loved outdoor festivals and traditionally kicks off the summer season in serious style. Set in Crow Park on the shores of Derwentwater, with the Lake District fells rising dramatically behind it, this is a festival village with one of the most jaw-dropping backdrops in the country.
What is KMF all about?
In short? It’s a joyful celebration of the outdoors.
Across three action-packed days (15–17 May 2026), thousands of participants take on trail runs, open water swims, cycling sportives, hikes, triathlons and adventure races. Last year alone saw more than 4,500 people pull on their trainers, wetsuits and helmets to get involved, with around 20,000 visitors soaking up the atmosphere across the weekend.
But you don’t have to be racing to enjoy it.
The Tent Talks
The Festival Village is the buzzing heart of KMF – packed with outdoor brands, retail stands, great food and drink, live music, and the brilliant Tent Talks series, where some of the biggest names in sport and adventure take to the stage. The Tent Talks are always a highlight, and 2026 is shaping up to be a corker. Don’t take my word for it – here’s the line-up
Saturday 16 May
- 12:00pm – Deo Kato. From Cape Town to London & ‘381 Days: Running For Justice’ – human migration, endurance running and social justice.
- 1:30pm – Alan Hinkes. Climbing all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks – high-altitude adventures around the globe.
- 3:00pm – Mitch Hutchcraft. ‘LIMITLESS’ – completing the world’s first triathlon from sea level to the summit of Mount Everest.
- 4:30pm – Kim Collison. Ultra running success, mountain racing and record-breaking endurance achievements.
- 6:00pm – Allie Bailey. Extreme endurance challenges, 100 miles across frozen Lake Khövsgöl, Land’s End to John o’Groats, and insights from her book There is No Wall.
Sunday 17 May
- 10:30am – Sara Barnes. Wild swimming as recovery and resilience – from major surgery to 60 swims at 60.
- 12:00pm – Miriam Payne & Jess Rowe (Seas the Day). Attempting to row 8,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean – world records, climate awareness and inspiring young women.
- 1:30pm – Renee McGregor. Elite sports nutrition and performance – insights from working with professional athletes and Team GB.
- Final session – Jasmin Paris. Ultra running history-maker – winning the Montane Spine Race and becoming the first woman to finish the Barkley Marathons.
If you’re a seasoned ultra-runner, a weekend walker or simply love a good story well told, these sessions are inspiring, entertaining and often deeply moving.
It’s that perfect blend: wild by day, festival vibes by night.
And yes… there’s music. When the trainers come off, the dancing shoes go on.
The main stage will once again host live music across the weekend, including festival favourites the Peatbog Faeries, alongside Tempo Feliz, Shaka Loves You, Beans on Toast and more. There’s also the Campervan Live Lounge showcasing local artists, plus DJ sets hosted by Electric Boutique to keep the energy high into the evening.
Huge community support
There had been uncertainty around the future of the festival – but thanks to huge community support, KMF is back for 2026. The festival brings significant tourism and economic benefits to Keswick and remains committed to celebrating the outdoors while bringing people together in one of the UK’s most beautiful locations.
Follow @girl.about.lancashire for a chance to win tickets!
And honestly? There’s something rather special about standing by Derwentwater, festival wristband on, listening to an adventurer who’s just climbed the world’s highest peaks or run across continents.
How to get tickets
Bookings for the 2026 Keswick Mountain Festival are now open
If you’re craving a weekend that blends adventure, inspiration, music and mountain air, this is your sign to grab a ticket and make a date with the Lakes
Images with permission form Keswick Mountain Festival
