MORE than 10,000 people are set to descend on Kendal next month for its celebration of all things 'outdoors'.

Kendal Mountain Festival (KMF), one of the world's 'big four' international mountain events, will be held in venues across the town between November 20 and 23, with attendees looking forward to film screenings, art exhibitions, sports events, photography shows, literary events and dozens of lectures, among other things.

"Whether you’re into clawing your way up mountains, sliding down them, jumping off the top, or just watching others do it, this gathering of adventure sports fans is a must," said KMF director, Clive Allen.

"Kendal Mountain Festival has been going since the 1980s and these days over 10,000 people head for the Lake District town each November to catch up on all things adrenaline."

It is expected 70 films will be shown in 55 screenings, competing for 11 prizes.

And KMF is not all extreme action as films genres include culture, drama, wildlife and environmental documentaries.

Arts and book components will include the world's most sought-after mountain literary award: the Boardman Tasker prize.

As well as film-makers, adventurers, climbers and lecturers, it is expected thousands of ticket-holders will turn out to see everything the festival has to offer.

The event, now in its 15th straight year, brings around £2m to the area and is renowned as the main social event for outdoor enthusiasts in the UK.

"Kendal is the biggest event of its type in the world," said a spokesman for the festival.

"As ever there will be hundreds of film screenings including high-profile premieres plus loads of speakers and special guests making this a must-do long weekend in the Lake District.

"This year an exciting mix of speakers will appeal to travel and adventure fans, armchair alpinists and activist climbers alike."

Speakers will include Australian adventurer, author and filmmaker, Tim Cope; Steve Fisher who has three times been voted the world’s best all-round kayaker; Christophe Profit, who ripped up the mountaineering rule book in the 1980s with a string of ultra-fast ascents across the Alps, and Ueli Steck, holder of the Eiger North Face speed record.

Recounting decades of pioneering through their new books will be Martin Boysen, Martin Moran and Steve McClure.

Dozens of others are also on the line-up.

"Rub shoulders with your heroes," added Mr Allen.

"Films are at the core of the event, with numerous world, European and UK premieres, plus a family friendly programme to get the kids inspired."

For more information and to see the full programme visit www.mountainfest.co.uk