Renowned survival expert Ray Mears will be dropping into Durham next month as part of an inspiring line-up at this year’s Durham Adventure Festival.
The festival, organised by Durham County Council, returns in 2020 and will run from Friday 24 April to Sunday 26 April at the Gala Theatre.
The three-day event will present the very best programme of adventure-inspired stories and events from around the world through film screenings, talks and free Basecamp sessions.
This year’s line-up features talks from Ray Mears, recognised globally as an authority on the subject of bushcraft and survival, and Sarah Outen, best known for her four-and-a-half-year expedition, London2London:Via the World, which saw her row, cycle and kayak around the northern hemisphere.
Also included in the line-up is James Ketchell, the first and only person to have completed what was dubbed ‘The Ultimate Triathlon’ by rowing 3,000 miles solo across the Atlantic Ocean, climbing to the summit of Mount Everest and cycling 18,000 miles around the world.
Durham Adventure Festival will also show a host of films such as Out on a Limb, which follows three wheelchair users as they embark on a mission to conquer the Swiss Alps, and Surf Cuba, which colourfully documents the Cuban surf community’s struggles and how they overcome them in order to pursue their passion.
From trail running and wild water swimming, to climbing, mountain biking and surfing, the aim of the festival is to inspire more people to explore and enjoy the outdoors.
Cllr Joy Allen, cabinet member for transformation, culture and tourism, said: “Following on from last year’s success, Durham Adventure Festival brings together all things outdoors. This year we have another great line-up covering three days of inspiring films, engaging speakers, exciting demonstrations and fun activities.
“Whatever way you find your adventure, whether that’s at the highest peak, the biggest wave or even just hearing the stories from the comfort of your own chair, this festival offers something for everyone to get involved in and be more engaged with the natural world.”
Robin Byers, Gala Theatre manager, said: “The overriding aim of Durham Adventure Festival has always been to celebrate everything about the great outdoors.
“If there is a central theme throughout all our events, it is this appreciation for the preciousness of the natural world, and our desire to enjoy it to its fullest.
“What unites all of us to adventure is an enjoyment of the natural world. Ever conscious of the climate emergency we now face, throughout our film programme there are a selection of films focussing on how others around the world, in Himalayan, Amazonian and Native American communities have a real connection with, and respect for, their environment.
“We hope you find plenty to enjoy in our festival – no matter the scale of your own adventure, and we hope we can inspire you to get outside, enjoy the outdoors and share the adventure.”
