Kendal Mountain Festival 2021 is focused on the climate

  • Text by Huck
Time to act — Now in its 41st year, the event will unite athletes, filmmakers, conservationists and authors to discuss our role in the natural world.

As COP26 reaches its conclusion, the eyes of the world are on global leaders as we seek transformational action in response to the existential threat of the climate emergency.

For many of us, this very threat has changed how we consider our relationship with the natural world. When we step outside, the landscape around us, with all of its various beauty, feels somewhat finite.

All of this and more will be explored at this year’s Kendal Mountain Festival. The 2021 edition will bring together international athletes, filmmakers, conservationists and authors to share their thoughts and experiences as part of the UK’s largest annual gathering of the outdoor community.

“Understanding our impact on the mountains has always been a part of the Festival, but over the years our audiences have demanded more from us,” said Kendal Mountain Festival Director Steve Scott.

“They expect us to talk about climate change, about closed loop manufacturing and what our brand partners are doing. We have moved from a passive role to being more proactive by challenging what our responsibilities are as active users of the outdoors.”

Now in its 41st year, Kendal Mountain Festival – which takes place in the eponymous Lake District town – will run from November 18 – 21. Events include film screenings, panel discussions and presentations to explore the impact of human life on the natural world, and the steps we as a population can take to reduce it.

The festival will also feature a series of esteemed guest speakers – including trail-running superstar Kilian Jornet, who will host his new ‘Athlete Climate Academy’.

“In the past years I’ve seen how extreme weather patterns are changing, routes that only a few years ago were possible to climb in summer are now spring or winter routes,” says Jornet.

“I’ve seen how ecosystems are now disappearing or going higher in altitude to survive, how pollution is on top of Everest or in the depth of the ocean. And it’s on us, we’re responsible but also we are the ones who can fix it, together, with knowledge and will of action.”

For tickets and further information, visit the Kendal Mountain Festival website

Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.


You might like

Snowy mountain peak, cloudy sky, people on horseback in a field
Sport

In The Road to Patagonia, Matty Hannon holds “a mirror to the human condition”

From tip to tip — More than a surf and travel documentary, the Australian filmmaker meditates on capitalism’s pitfalls and the importance of existing within nature while embarking on a marathon journey from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego.

Written by: Sam Haddad

Two men sitting on a wooden structure at night.
Sport

The Ukrainian skatepark sanctuary on the frontlines of war

Krytka — In Okhtyrka, just 50km from the border with Russia, a crew of young skaters, musicians and friends gutted out an abandoned factory, filling it with ramps and music equipment to create a shelter of community and resilience.

Written by: Isaac Muk

Rustic footbridge across a river, with people crossing it on a sunny day. Warm tones and shadows suggest an outdoor, natural setting.
Sport

In Medellín’s alleys and side streets, football’s founding spirit shines

Street Spirit — Granted two weeks of unfettered access, photographer Tom Ringsby captures the warmth and DIY essence of the Colombian city’s grassroots street football scene.

Written by: Isaac Muk

Smiling person in black wetsuit riding surfboard on calm ocean with rocky hills in background.
Sport

Maryam El Gardoum is breaking new shores for Morocco’s indigenous surfers

The Amazigh Atlantic — Through her groundbreaking career and popular surf school, the five-time Moroccan champion is helping women find their places in the waves.

Written by: Sam Haddad

Colourful embroidered jackets worn by two people, with skateboarder visible in background. Bright colours and graphic designs on the clothing.
Sport

Volcom teams up with Bob Mollema for the latest in its Featured Artist Series

True to This — The boardsports lifestyle brand will host an art show in Biarritz to celebrate the Dutch illustrators’ second capsule collection.

Written by: Huck

Crowded football stadium at night, red-and-black banners with slogans, floodlights illuminating the scene.
Sport

Bohemian FC is more than a football club

Carefree, wherever you may be — With rock star friends, a fierce commitment to Palestinian solidarity and their very own climate justice officer, north Dublin’s fan-owned team make their presence felt far beyond the pitch.

Written by: Tiernan Cannon

Huck is supported by our readers, subscribers and Club Huck members. It is also made possible by sponsorship from:

Signup to our newsletter

Sign up to our newsletter to informed with the cutting edge of sport, music and counterculture, featuring personal takes on the state of media and pop culture from Emma Garland, former Digital Editor of Huck, exclusive interviews, recommendations and more.

Please wait...