By Paul McGuirk  

Fans of sports, music and the arts are gearing up for a feature-packed weekend, as the Keswick Mountain Festival returns once again in June. 

Organisers have confirmed that the event will take place between 7 -10  June this year, with the main outdoor stage – the Festival Village – based in Crow Park, Keswick. However, other sites and venues in the area – including the renowned Theatre by the Lake – will also host inspirational talks from motivational speakers including the world-class athletes Chrissie Wellington and Mark Beaumont, as well as the world premieres of three brand-new documentary films which focus on trail-running. 

Although Keswick Mountain Festival has been held every year since 2007, organisers decided to move the event from its traditional slot, in May, forward to June for the first-time last year. 

“It had a really positive impact on the festival,” explained MKF director Nicola Meadley. “Advance ticket sales were higher than in previous years, many of the sports events sold very quickly and there was unprecedented interest in the live music.” 

As a result, the team behind the festival have been able to create a more extensive and varied line-up than ever before. 

Last year’s Keswick Mountain Festival attracted approximately 3,000 athletes, with even more expected this year over seventeen events including trail runs, triathlons, relays and swimming events for adults and juniors alike. All entrants receive a t-shirt along with a free ticket for the live music events on either the Friday or Saturday night.  

The Festival Village will play host to two nights of incredible live music. Friday sees festival favourites Peatbog Faeries delivering a mixture of trad folk tinged with hip-hop, jazz and reggae. This precedes a headline performance from Peter Hook & The Light, where the bass-playing legend will run through a much-anticipated set of his back catalogue of Joy Division and New Order hits. 

Mel C

On the Saturday evening, attendees can expect to be entertained by former Spice Girl and solo chart-topper Melanie C, who will headline the main stage following a performance from 90’s baggy indie legends The Farm. 

For further information and tickets for individual events, visit http://keswickmountainfestival.co.uk