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The Kendal Mountain Festival is an annual festival held in the town of Kendal, Cumbria on the edge of the English Lake District in the UK. It is one of the most diverse festivals of its kind in the world, attracting film premières from around the globe. Filmmakers, TV producers, adventurers, top brands, athletes and speakers gather to take part in four days of the films, talks, books and exhibitions covering all aspects of mountain and adventure sports culture. It is also the main social event for outdoor enthusiasts in the UK. The British Mountaineering Council states that it "is by far the largest and most varied event of its type in Europe and it's the main social event for outdoor enthusiasts in the UK."
At the heart of Kendal’s programme is the mountain film competition, attracting film premières from around the world. Over 70 films are screened (from 300+ entries) with twelve prizes available. The genres represented include culture, drama, wildlife and environmental documentaries, as well as a lecture programme.
Other events include art exhibitions, literature events, including the Boardman Tasker Prize for Mountain Literature, the 'Adventure Film Academy' for aspiring film-makers, photography events, competitions, specialist sports nights (Bike, Snowsports, Free-Flight, Underground and Endurance Sports) and the KMF for Schools programme (Film Active).
Extra expenditure into the local economy generated by the Kendal Mountain Festival has been independently calculated to be in excess of £2m.
The Festival has even been cited by the Sunday Times as one of the reasons young people are attracted to Kendal as a place to live. The Kendal Mountain Festival 'mission' is 'to inspire more people to explore, enjoy and represent mountains, wilderness and their cultures'.