It’s been another sensational Kendal Mountain Festival (KMF) with some of the best films, events and moments we’ve ever seen. Thanks to everyone that came down to our stand, we think we had the most successful KMF yet! We were on fire so let’s check out the highlights:
The amazing green wall
The BMC stand was the busiest we’ve ever seen it! Thanks to everyone that helped create such a buzzing atmosphere, we loved chatting to you all. This year, the BMC went full green to soft launch 'The Climate Project' – a new way that people can fight climate change on a local level. Full details on how everyone can join this worthy project, and how you can get updates, can be found on The Climate Project website .
FIND OUT MORE: www.theclimateproject.co.uk
Our fav bits of our stand this year was the verdant living wall of native moorland vegetation arranged by BMC Shop Manager Hannah Skeldon, together with a photo exhibition showcasing all the climbing we have at home in Britain. And talking about climbing...
Best Climbing Film won by The Big Bang!
The BMC TV film about Emma Twyford becoming the first woman to climb 9a won the award for Best Climbing Film at KMF 2019, the second time a BMC TV produced film has won this award (the first was Operation Moffat). It was awesome to see filmmaker David Petts and Emma win the award, especially after knowing how many years of effort and dedication went into documenting Emma's amazing journey. Huge congratulations to both! If you missed seeing it at Kendal, don't worry; we've got big plans for The Big Bang in 2020.
Step up for BMC TV Night Club
This year we wanted to bring something new to the floor, so we combined Niall Grimes and some amazing dancers from Kapow Dance for a one-off night to celebrate the BMC's 75th year. This sold out months in advance and was packed beyond capacity lending a huge buzz to the atmosphere. Niall was on immense form as usual, the dancing was a delight to behold, and BMC president Lynn Robinson did a wicked short section about women in climbing clubs to a cheering crowd. Loads of prizes were flung out far and wide, and we hope everyone left with a big smile on their face after having seen something quite different to the usual festival events.
James McHaffie stars in Ed Drummond film
Ed Drummond was a legendary 70s climber who died this year. We collaborated with Hot Aches Productions to make a memorial show including three films where we got James McHaffie to re-enact some ascents (in very bad boots). Great work Caff!
Climbing stars head to BMC stand
BMC ambassador and top climber Steve McClure was on our stand signing posters, as was Emma Twyford and Jesse Dufton – the star of the Climbing Blind film that won the Grand Prize at KMF!
New BMC climate t-shirt sold out!
We weren’t expecting this: the new climate change bamboo tee we created especially for the festival sold out! But don't worry, we'll get them back in stock in time for Christmas.
Lots of love
We met 1,000s of members and future members over the weekend, and the reaction to all our work – but especially The Climate Project – was really positive. Thanks for all the good vibes and much love back to you all!
Stay in touch
The next big event is the BMC Sheffield Adventure Film Festival on 20-22 March. With a focus on sustainability and activism, this will be the perfect place for the proper launch of The Climate Project and a great new project with our partners Montane.
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* Policy details: Offer valid for policies purchased until 1 March 2020. £160.70 for annual alpine multi-trip (45 day limit for each single trip) European insurance up to age 44, and £168.74 for ages 45 to 69.
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