The company behind Keswick Mountain Festival has confirmed the event will return in 2026. After this year’s festival, there were doubts about its future. However, now the dates and first details of the line-up have been revealed. Running from 15–17 May, the 2026 Keswick Mountain Festival will offer its traditional mix of outdoor sports and activities. It will also feature high profile speakers, live music, food and drink, and exhibitors.
Founded in 2007, Keswick Mountain Festival (KMF) is one of the UK’s best-loved and most popular outdoor events. It traditionally kicks off the summer festival season. Its heart will be the Festival Village in Crow Park, on the shore of Derwentwater and with a backdrop of the iconic Lake District fells. This year, a festival record number of more than 4,500 participants tackled trail runs, hikes, triathlons, cycling sportives, open water swims, and adventure races during the festival. Overall, around 20,000 people visited KMF. This boosted the local economy at a key moment early in the summer.
The first details of the 2026 Keswick Mountain Festival programme have now been released, including an extensive list of speakers. Trail running will come to the fore with Jasmin Paris, Allie Bailey, Kim Collison, Jen Scotney and Deo Kato. Other speakers will include award-winning sports journalist David Walsh, wild swimmer Sara Barnes, Britain’s most successful mountaineer Alan Hinkes, record-breaking adventurer Mitchell Hutchcraft, renowned sports scientist Renee McGregor, and the rowing record-breaking MacLean brothers.
Once again, the main stage in the Festival Village will feature a wide range of live music. This includes sets by Tempo Feliz, Good Times (tribute to Nile Rogers and Chic), Shaka Loves You, The Kasios, Beans on Toast, and making their long-awaited return, festival favourites the Peatbog Faeries. The Campervan Live Lounge will also be back with a host of local artists. Additionally, the DJ Bar venue will once again be hosted by Electric Boutique. More details about the line-up for the 2026 Keswick Mountain Festival will be released in the near future.
Jamie Simpson, marketing director of Keswick Mountain Festival, comments: “Earlier this year, we spoke openly about the uncertainty surrounding the future of Keswick Mountain Festival and called for greater local support. While no financial help has been forthcoming from the authorities, we’ve been overwhelmed by the encouragement from our community, partners, and festival-goers. That response has given us the motivation to push ahead once again in 2026.
“KMF remains committed to bringing people together in the Lake District, celebrating the outdoors, and delivering significant tourism and economic benefits to Keswick. We hope the authorities will recognise this. Supporting the festival is key to securing its place as a firm, long-term fixture on the outdoor events calendar.”
Bookings for the 2026 Keswick Mountain Festival will open at 12:00 on Wednesday 8 October at www.keswickmountainfestival.co.uk. All of the latest information about the festival will be added to the website. The public can also find the event on social media for updates.
