The return of Keswick Mountain Festival has been hailed a success as thousands of people visited the town.
Organisers said they were delighted by the event’s successful return, after it had to be postponed from 2020 due to COVID-19 and then moved from May to September this year.
Visitors enjoyed three days of live entertainment, sporting events, outdoor adventures, high profile speakers, taster activities, exhibitor stands and camping.
Presented by Land Rover, the 14th Keswick Mountain Festival delivered a packed programme, with its main base on National Trust owned Crow Park on the shore of Derwentwater, and a schedule of speaker sessions in the Theatre by the Lake.
Two nights of live outdoor music saw big crowds enjoy high octane performances by the likes of Bad Manners, Republica and Space, while over 4,000 signed up to take part in the festival’s outdoor and sports events, including triathlons, open water swims, trail runs, cycling, and hiking challenges.
The Festival Village was home to exhibitors, food and drink outlets, free speaker sessions at the Craghoppers Tent Talks, and taster activities.
New for 2021 was the KMF Accessibility Zone. Supported by United Utilities and developed in partnership with not-for-profit company Experience Community, the zone included special features, exhibitors and activities, developed to make the festival more accessible and welcoming to visitors with disabilities.
The National Trust is the festival’s official charity partner and visitors to the event were encouraged to make donations to assist the trust’s conservation work in the area.
Alan Dunn, Keswick mayor, said: “It was wonderful to see the festival back in Keswick.
“The whole town was buzzing, with many locals taking part in sporting events, enjoying the live music and shopping in the Festival Village.
“The quality of the bands was superb and it was great to see people dancing again. The COVID safe measures and environmental initiatives were really appreciated by all visitors too.”
Nicola Meadley, festival director, added: “It felt like an awfully long time since we’d all gathered together, but the return of Keswick Mountain Festival was joyous and it was brilliant to welcome so many happy people back to this wonderful location.
“There was a buzz everywhere and our visitors, volunteers, exhibitors, performers and event partners were all clearly delighted to be back at an event.”
Plans are now under way for the 2022 Keswick Mountain Festival, which is scheduled to run from May 20 to May 22.
