SURVIVAL expert Ray Mears is part of an inspiring line-up at this year’s Durham Adventure Festival.
The festival will run from Friday, April 24 to Sunday, April 26 at the Gala Theatre in Durham City.
The three-day event, organised by Durham County Council, will feature adventure-inspired stories and events from around the world through film screenings, talks and free Basecamp sessions.
Sarah Outen
Ray Mears, who is 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 will both give talks.
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.
James Ketchell
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 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.
Councillor 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 focusing 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.”
To find out more information about the line-up or book tickets visit durhamadventurefestival.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here