Kendal Mountain Festival has revealed its 2026 international film programme, bringing together filmmakers, athletes, outdoor brands and adventure enthusiasts for four days of screenings, live discussions and activities in the Lake District.
Taking place from 19–22 November, the festival’s announced programme features more than 165 films selected from over 650 submissions, including 26 world premieres, 48 UK premieres and 25 European premieres.
The programme gives the outdoor industry another opportunity to meet the people who use its products, follow its athletes and care about the landscapes in which they participate.
Adventure films at the heart of Kendal
This year’s international film programme takes the theme Presence, exploring connections between people, places and adventure. The selection spans mountaineering, climbing, endurance sport, exploration and environmental storytelling.
Independent films provide a platform for athletes and filmmakers to explore issues that go beyond competition results or product launches. For retailers and manufacturers, those stories also offer insight into the interests and priorities of outdoor customers.
Outdoor brands and community engagement
The festival’s wider programme brings outdoor businesses into direct contact with visitors. Its speaker programme includes sessions presented by Mountain Equipment, La Sportiva, adidas, Fjällräven, Montane, Patagonia and LOWA.
Unlike a conventional trade exhibition, Kendal places brand conversations alongside films, athletes and environmental discussion. That gives manufacturers and retailers a chance to listen to their communities as well as present their work.
Athletes, explorers and new perspectives
Climbing features prominently in the speaker programme, with Janja Garnbret appearing in a session presented by adidas and La Sportiva supporting sessions involving Dave MacLeod and Elias Iagnemma. Bear Grylls, Ben Fogle and Lucy Shepherd are also among the advertised speakers.
Endurance sport is represented by Damian Hall, Beth Pascall, Fiona Pascall and Katharina Hartmuth, reflecting the festival’s appeal across different outdoor disciplines.
Trail running expands its presence
The adidas Kendal Mountain 10km Trail Run returns alongside The North Face Kendal Mountain 50km Ultra Run. A new 25km distance is also on the 2026 programme, with all three events scheduled for Saturday 21 November.
The expanded running programme connects the festival’s cultural offering with active participation in the surrounding landscape, and gives specialist brands opportunities to engage with runners across different distances.
Why Kendal matters to the outdoor industry
Beyond the screenings, Kendal brings together filmmakers, campaigners, conservation organisations, retailers, manufacturers and consumers. Conversations about access to nature, outdoor participation and environmental responsibility are increasingly part of the same industry discussion.
For businesses, the value lies in understanding those conversations and building relationships with the communities they serve. For visitors, the festival provides a way to encounter new ideas, athletes and activities in one place.
Kendal Mountain Festival 2026 takes place from Thursday 19 November to Sunday 22 November. Programme and event information is available from the official festival website.
