SOME of the leading names in climbing and outdoor film-making have been lined up for a new summer event.

Kendal Mountain Festival – On The Edge features a mix of films, guest speakers, live music and food at the National Trust’s Sticklebarn Tavern, Langdale, on July 25-27.

The theme is ‘How can technology enhance your wilderness experiences’ and one of the major attractions will be organisers dipping into the back catalogue of top films shown at the annual Kendal Mountain Film Festival (KMF).

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Main speakers include famous big-wall climber and funny-man Andy Kirkpatrick and his daughter Ella, who will talk about their ascent of Yosemite’s El Capitan last year.

Filmmaker Ian Burton recounts the challenges of shooting extreme footage, whilst Nigel Vardy (AKA Mr Frostbite) recalls the demise of his digits.

The weekend will kick off on Friday night with ‘The Raven’s Pit’, an evening of fire, tall tales and Langdale climbing. Fire masters James McHaffie and Andy Kirkpatrick will be stoking the stories.

Other highlights of the programme include James Thurlow sharing his story on how technology enables him to battle type 1 diabetes on gruelling Ultra Distance events and Jocky Sanderson reveals howman can fly hundreds of miles today with modern flexible wing designs.

KMF director Clive Allen said: “Outside of our annual film tour, this is the first time we’ve organised a fringe event – hence On the Edge. We want it to reflect everything that people associate with Kendal Mountain Festival – the great social atmosphere, brilliant films, and inspirational speakers – but we’re intending to keep it fairly compact.”

There is also a full programme of expert presenters with Irish outdoor chef Kieran Creevy leading foraging walks and cooking up meals with the resulting haul.

Camping and accommodation are close by although there is limited space at the venue the organisers are advising people to book early.

National Trust ranger Neil Winder said: “We’re really looking forward to hosting the On the Edge event here at Sticklebarn, it should bring a lot of like-minded people together, sharing our passion for the outdoors and special places.”

Details can be found online at kmfontheedge.co.uk