Beer, books and banter at Kendal

Being strong individuals, bringing together mountain writers was never going to be boring. And especially with Lakeland brewers Jennings as event sponsors, all the ingredients are in place for the first Kendal Mountain Book Festival to become an exciting part of the week-long Film Festival this November.Aiming to reflect the vibrancy of mountain writing, a central part of the Festival brings authors and pundits together in lively discussion. The opening debate on Saturday 13th November is chaired by Eric Robson (outdoor author and chairman of Radio 4?s Gardeners Question Time) and features Maria Coffey (writer and sociologist), Steve Dean, (writer and Boardman Tasker judge), Bernadette Macdonald, (Banff Centre for Mountain Culture), Bernard Newman (Editor, Climber magazine), and Ken Wilson (writer and publisher). During the week of the Festival there?s a special event looking at Cumbria?s unique contribution to mountain literature, with authors such as Chris Bonington and Simon Yates. There?s readings and discussions with major authors Audrey Salkeld, Maria Coffey and Dermot Somers plus writers short-listed for this year?s Boardman Tasker award – Malcolm Slesser, Jamie Andrew and Richard Askwith. The Festival also features a Book Fair at Kendal Town Hall from 19-21 November. This will offer the chance to buy hot-off-the-press titles, while for the collectors – or those who simply missed the best the first time around – Cheyne Books for Mountaineers will do what they can to fill the gaps. Full details are at www.mountainfilm.co.uk. A separate Kendal Mountain Book Festival brochure will be available. Tickets can be bought online or through the box office on 01539 725133. Kendal Mountain Film Festival 13th-21st November 2004 Kendal Mountain Book Festival 13th-19th November 2004

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