UK Mountain/ Adventure Festivals 2021
After the last 12 months, those of us who normally spend lots of time in the mountains are, let’s face it, craving to be back doing the activities we love in the places which feed our souls.
During the first lockdown back in March 2020, I seemed to have an inbox and social media feed full of recommendations for online streaming of films to keep us all motivated and inspired. But, a year later, things have quietened down. The long, cold winter coinciding with weeks of lockdown and not seeing our family and friends has been tough.
However, as I write, there’s light at the end of the tunnel with a roadmap out of lockdown being announced and the anticipation of restrictions ending in June. Many festivals turned to streaming their films and talks online last year and it got me wondering what their plans were for 2021.
BANFF Mountain Film Festival UK Tour
2021 dates around the UK were released, but everything up to June is now being rescheduled. There are, however, some dates listed through to November and the website states that a collection of virtual events will be announced.
Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival
Edinburgh cancelled their 2021 festival but plan to return next year with provisional dates set for 5th - 6th February 2022.
2022 dates announced
Fort William Mountain Festival
Fort William has moved their festival online for 2021 with tickets being sold at £10 per adventure category (there are 10 categories to choose from). Tickets are on sale until midnight on 25th February 2021 and they give you 30 days to view.
19th - 25th February 2021
Braemar Mountain Festival
Braemar Mountain Festival cancelled their 2021 festival, planning to return next year on 3rd - 6th March 2022.
2022 dates announced
Sheffield Adventure Film Festival (SHAFF)
SHAFF is showing their 2020 films online and have also gone on tour to link with local cinemas who host virtual screenings and earn a share of the proceeds when people click to watch online. If your local cinema is listed (there are 35 independent ones), it’s a great way to give them your support. The actual SHAFF festival may be held in summer, so keep an eye on their website.
Keswick Mountain Festival
Keswick are currently advertising their 2021 festival dates for May, but check their website for updates.
21st - 23rd May 2021
Alpkit Big Shakeout (Peak District)
The Big Shakeout is a weekend of adventure hosted in the Peak District by Alpkit staff. Their format is to "be active during the day and be entertained in the evening". It’s a not-for-profit festival, with all proceeds donated to the Alpkit Foundation.
24th - 26th September 2021
Kendal Mountain Festival
Kendal Mountain Festival moved their 2020 programme online, streaming content over 43 days and reaching 82 countries. They have set dates for 2021 but also indicated that we should expect to see more online streaming.
18th - 21st November 2021
Dundee Mountain Film Festival
Dundee are hoping to run their film festival in 2021 with dates provisionally set for November.
25th to 27th November 2021
Women in Adventure Film Competition – BMC
All entries to the BMC Women in Adventure film competition can be streamed free of charge via BMC TV. The 2021 film entry deadline is in early April, but you can see the 2020 entries via the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/c/teamBMCTV/search?query=women+in+adventure
If you know of any UK mountain festivals which haven’t been listed here, send me an email or drop a note in the comments below. I’m always happy to update this post to share as much information as possible and support our mountain festival organisers.
Outdoor-Girl is run by Jacquie Budd, a freelance writer providing content writing, copywriting and digital marketing services for businesses and charities.
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