Keswick Mountain Festival 2025, 16-18 May, 2025

A day-by-day guide to highlights of the outdoor event that kicks off the summer festival season

Kicking off the 2025 summer season in style, one of the UK’s best-loved outdoor events returns later this week. Keswick Mountain Festival (KMF) is ready once again to welcome thousands of visitors to the heart of Cumbria. Blending its much-loved mix of sporting events, outdoor activities, live music, inspiring speakers, hands-on taster sessions, exhibitor stands, the hugely popular KMF Accessible Adventure Zone, food and drink, and family-friendly camping, the festival promises unforgettable moments for visitors of all ages. Based in Crow Park on the picturesque shores of Derwentwater, KMF enjoys a spectacular setting, framed by the breathtaking Lakeland fells.

KMF 2025 will take place from 16–18 May, with Crow Park remaining the vibrant hub of the festival. The Festival Village will be open all weekend and free to enter until 5:00pm each day, offering a lively mix of exhibitor stands and family-friendly taster sessions - ranging from axe throwing, yoga and a climbing wall, to an inflatable obstacle course and guided canoeing. Some activities will be free at the point of access, while others will operate on a pay-as-you-go basis. After 5:00pm, entry to the site will require either a general festival ticket or entry to a sports event. A new ticketing approach introduced this year simplifies the booking process and offers improved value, with all sports event entries including access to evening entertainment.

The live music programme has been significantly expanded for 2025. Performances will take place across the site, including solo acts in the reimagined food and drink area, a new Hangout zone with relaxed seating under a stretch tent, and in a DJ bar tipi at the top of the hill. Evening headline acts will perform on the on the main stage, with music running from 5:30pm to 10:00pm on Friday and Saturday.

The festival will once again be accessible for visitors with mobility issues, with facilities such as Mobiloo toilets and dedicated parking to ensure an inclusive experience for all.

Tent Talks will run across all three days in the Festival Village, with appearances from leading names in outdoor adventure and sport. KMF remains committed to sustainability and inclusivity, with ongoing support for conservation work on Catbells through its partnership with the National Trust and Fix the Fells. Organisers will also continue working with local venues and businesses to bring the festival atmosphere into the heart of Keswick and boost the local economy.

Below are just a few specific activities to look out for on each day. Places for events are limited, but tickets/entries are still available to book at www.keswickmountainfestival.co.uk.

Friday 16 May

• The Skiddaw Mountain Run* (4:30pm) – this thrilling 20km race challenges runners with 1,070m of elevation gain. Participants will scale Skiddaw, England's sixth tallest mountain, and then race back to Crow Park. There will also be a race within the race, a timed ascent to the summit to crown the ‘Champion of Skiddaw’. *Find the full sports schedule at https://keswickmountainfestival.co.uk/sports-overview/
• Tent Talks* (from 1:30pm) – free to attend on a first-come, first-served basis for sports event and festival ticket holders in the Tent Talks Tent, Friday’s talks will kick off with Jo Moseley, a stand up paddleboarder, author and campaigner known for her inspiring journeys and environmental advocacy. She’ll be followed by Amber Keegan, a world-class open water swimmer who has represented Great Britain at two world championships and completed a solo English Channel crossing. Next, ultra runner and content creator Tommy Lewis will take to the stage to share insights from his endurance challenges and his work founding That’s Runnable. Rounding off the Friday line-up, Sunday Times chief sports writer David Walsh - a four-time Irish Sports Writer of the Year - will reflect on his acclaimed journalism career and the major stories he’s uncovered. *Talks continue throughout Saturday and Sunday.
• Kendal Mountain Tour* (7:30–9pm, Theatre by the Lake) – adventure film fans are in for a treat on Friday evening as the Kendal Mountain Tour comes to Keswick Mountain Festival. This specially curated 90-minute screening features a powerful mix of short films celebrating outdoor spirit, resilience and connection to the natural world. Highlights include Aquaballet, a five-minute dive into water-based artistry; Designed by Disaster, following climber and filmmaker James ‘Q’ Martin; Dash, the inspiring story of a 92-year-old snowboarder; and King of the Fells, a homegrown celebration of Lake District fell running. Tickets are £15 and available directly from Theatre by the Lake. *The Kendal Mountain Tour also runs on Saturday evening.
• Live Music (from 12pm)– Friday’s entertainment kicks off across multiple stages, with The Hangout hosting performances by Chloe Jane Hirst, Hang Dimension, Leo Sax, Stoney Broke and J Lewis. Meanwhile, the Electric Boutique at the DJ Bar will feature sets from Woody & Jake. In the evening, the Main Stage line-up will bring the energy with Cumbrian favourites Steel Foxes, funk and disco from High Fade and a headline DJ set from Madchester icon Bez bringing the night to a close.

Saturday 17 May

• Keswick 3 Peaks Hike (from 7:30am)–this is a mid-level, circular hike over the three peaks surrounding Derwentwater: Catbells, Walla Crag and Latrigg. The route covers 18 miles with 1,050m of ascent, and participants can expect to complete it in 7–10 hours. It is suitable for novice walkers through to experienced hikers. A junior hike for those aged 12-17 is also taking place.
• Thule Keswick Conqueror (starting 8:45am) – taking place on Saturday 17and Sunday 18 May. Participants can ‘conquer’ Keswick in this multi-day triathlon challenge, featuring a 3.6km swim in Derwentwater and a 25km trail run around the beautiful valleys of Borrowdale and Watendlath on Saturday, and ending with a spectacular tarmac 100km road sportive on Sunday.
• Speedo Derwent Isle 1.5km Swim (12pm) – a classic of the KMF sporting line up, the 1.5km open water swim in beautiful Derwentwater is a great option for more experienced open water swimmers (ages 18+ only) and includes one lap of Derwent Isle.
• Tent Talks (from 10:30am) – Saturday’s Tent Talks will begin with endurance athlete and trail runner Elise Downing, who’ll share her experiences of long-distance challenges. Next, gravel cycling author and adventurer Hetty Kingston will delve into the world of cycling and adventure, followed by Timothy Taylor’s Beer Tasting at the DJ Bar, where attendees can enjoy a sampling session from 12:00–13:00. Kayaker and mental health campaigner Nick Ray will take to the stage next, followed by Munro round record-holder Jamie Aarons, who will recount his remarkable feats in the mountains. Later, business leader and adventurer James Peach, known for his roles behind Uber, Vinted and Innocent, will share his journey, which included cycling around the world.
• Live Music (from 12pm) - Saturday’s performances also take place across multiple stages, with The Hangout hosting sets by Ava Grace, Ewan Scarlett, JP Worsfold, Cassette Baby and Leo Sax. Over at the Electric Boutique at the DJ Bar, Carl Higson & DJ Coolhand will provide the soundtrack for the afternoon. As the evening draws in, the Main Stage will come alive with the sounds of rock and rhythm blues from The Thieving Magpies, followed by the reggae vibes of State of Satta. DJ legend Norman Jay MBE will then bring the night to a close with his famous ‘rare groove’ set, promising an unforgettable finale.

Sunday 18 May

Adidas Terrex 50k Trail Ultra Marathon (6am) – not for the faint hearted, this challenging ultra takes in some of the best trails and views that the Watendlath, Borrowdale, Buttermere and Newlands valleys have to offer.

Back O’Skiddaw 100km Cycle (8:30am) – this sportive presents a challenging ride with steep ascents and scenic routes. With most of the ascent in the last 30km, the course offers varied terrain, from single tracks to quiet roads. Open to electric and adapted bikes, participants must carefully assess their ability before entering.Top of Form

• Tent Talks (from 1pm) - Sunday’s sessions begin with Keri Wallace, author and founder of Girls on Hills, introducing her guidebook Running Challenges. Next, Sky Sports News presenter and football pundit Clare Tomlinson shares her insights. The day wraps up with Andy Dickson’s one-man stand-up comedy show, Everest Mallory 24 (With Stanley).
• Live Music (from 12pm) – live daytime music will continue at Electric Boutique at the DJ Bar courtesy of Carl Higson & DJ Coolhand, while The Hangout line-up includes Alfie Davies, Clara Pople and Tom Dibb, who will showcase their unique talents and captivating sounds.

Keswick Mountain Festival offers an extensive range of ticket options for visitors, including main festival, camping and parking tickets. There may be some places available on the day for some of the sports events. To find out more and to book (by Thursday) visit www.keswickmountainfestival.co.uk. There is an option to donate to The National Trust’s Fix the Fells with each purchase. Find the event on Facebook or follow @keswickfestival on X and Instagram for the latest news and information.