One of the advantages of being married to an adventure sports writer is all the hand-me-down kit I get. It means I look like a clown sometimes in an array of clashing colours - a purple HellRider Colombia top, red Goretex gilet and bright blue Inov8 Trailrocs is a cool look, believe me.
So when Heather Dawe's 'Adventures in Mind' landed on the doormat I bagsied it straight away. Halfway through I called Matt and said we had to book her for the Buxton Adventure Festival in November. Here's my review (on behalf of Nik) for Outdoors Magic...
You can buy signed copies from Sheffield publishers Vertebrate.
listen to ?Heather Dawe speaking to Richard Spurr on BBC Radio Derby's Andy Potter Show, Monday 20th August? on Audioboo
Ultra-runner, climber and cyclist and now author and artist Heather Dawe talks to Richard Spurr on BBC Radio Derby ahead of her talk at the Buxton Adventure Festival on Sunday 3rd November.
Thanks to The Outdoor Times for featuring our speaker programme. It's a wonderful online magazine which places a premium on great writing, striking imagery and thoughtful book and film reviews. Check out editor Tony O'Donnell's review of BAF speaker Heather Dawe's book 'Adventures in Mind'.
Scottish outdoor luminary Chris Townsend is among the line-up for an adventure festival, which also includes talks from ultrarunner Jez Bragg, who ran and paddled the length of New Zealand. Read more on Grough magazine...
The second Buxton Adventure Festival programme is announced today with 10 record-breaking, globe-trotting, mountain-topping inspirational speakers from the worlds of adventure, travel and sport.
Brought to you for the first time last year by the organisers of the Sheffield Adventure Film Festival, in partnership with the University of Derby, Buxton, 100% of our audience said they loved the combination of the magic of live lectures and the thrill of big screen cinema and would recommend it to a friend.
?Plans for this year include a ?Young Adventurers? launch night at the Oaklands Outdoor Leadership Centre, an outdoors photography exhibition in coordination with the Pavilion Gardens and MyOutdoors magazine, use of the adjacent Studio Theatre for ?Adventure Bites? - a rolling loop of short, family-friendly, action-packed films. Plus a junior aquathlon, orienteering and other activities with Derbyshire Village Games, the YHA and High Peak Triathlon Club using the pool and park, and an alpine workshop.
Festival Programme Director Matt Heason of Heason Events, who has organised the Sheffield Adventure Film Festival for the past 7 years, said: ?We were blown away by the audience reaction when we tested whether the event would work in Buxton last year. 850 people came and 100% said they liked it, would recommend it and bring a friend.?
?We?ve been welcomed with open arms to the town. The Opera House?s Pavilion Arts Centre is a superb, modern venue. With the Peak District on the doorstep and the staff and students at the University of Derby?s Oaklands Manor Outdoor Leadership Centre, Buxton is a superb base for a new adventure festival. What?s more, the university?s three-year sponsorship deal and High Peak Borough Council?s ?Invest in Buxton? regeneration strategy, including the restoration of the Crescent hotel and spa, mean there?s scope to grow the festival in future years.?
Festival PR, Lissa Cook, said: ?Between them, our intrepid line-up have pedalled, paddled, climbed, hiked, run, skied and even dog-sledding all over the world. I?m particularly pleased that we?ve got four strong, female speakers. Matt and I are also committed to keep expanding our family-friendly offer for to inspire the next generation of adventurers.?
"We hope the speakers and films at the Buxton Adventure Festival will inspire people to enjoy the outdoors - no matter what their age or ability - and encourage them to set themselves challenges - no matter how big or small."
?Thank you once again to all our sponsors and partners including award-winning Peak District based, adventure sports photographer Lucasz Warzecha at LW Images for allowing us to use his stunning ice cave shot to promote the festival. A special thanks to our patron Mike Tomlinson, Trustee of the Jane Tomlinson Appeal for his continued support.?
Strategic Director of the University of Derby, Buxton, Dr Peter Dewhurst said: ?Here at the University of Derby Buxton, adventure is part of the curriculum through our portfolio of outdoor courses at Oaklands Manor, so we are delighted to sponsor the Festival in its second year." ?Just like explorers who need practical skills and preparation to face the challenges they will meet, our students leave with real world learning which equips them for a successful future.?
ENDS
2013 SPEAKER PROGRAMME:
SATURDAY 10.30 - Young Adventurers - Extreme Mountain Biking
Multiple British trials bike champion Danny Butler travels the country with his Extreme Mountain Bike Show demonstrating his team's hair-raising skills on two wheels. One of his intrepid team of top stunt mountain-bikers will be bringing their bike along to Buxton to show off their tricks. (Following our Extreme Mountain Biking demo we'll show a series of the best films from the Sheffield Adventure Film Festival).
SATURDAY 12.30 - Hill Walking - Going Long & Staying Strong
British Mountain Club Hill Walking Officer Carey Davies in conversation with Chris Townsend - outdoor writer and photographer and one of the world's most prolific long-distance walkers. Chris's walks include the 3,100-mile Continental Divide Trail and the first ever continuous walk of the 517 Scottish Munros.
SATURDAY 15.00 - British Mountain Guides - Passion & Professionalism on the Peaks
Three talks compered by fellow guide James Thacker with an audience Q&A: Mark Walker: Mixing and Matching - A Season Ski Touring Across the European Alps Jon Morgan: Chamonix Zermatt Haute Route on Skis: A Purist's Version Al Powell: Ski Mountaineering in Greenland - Exploring the Arctic Wilderness on Dogsleds & Skis
SATURDAY 17.30 - Juliana Buhring - The Fastest Woman To Cycle the World
On December 22, 2012, Juliana Buhring set the first ever Guinness World Record for Fastest Woman to Circumnavigate the World by Bicycle. Juliana?s 18,060 mile journey took her across four continents and nineteen countries, in a total time of 152 days and 144 actual days pedalled.
SATURDAY 20.00 - Annie Last - Team GB Mountain Biker
Bakewell born Annie Last made her Olympic debut at the London 2012 Olympics, becoming the first woman to represent Great Britain in the mountain bike event for 12 years. Leading the pack for the first lap, she finished in 8th place overall which was a great result for the developing rider.
SUNDAY 10.30 - Young Adventurers - Urban Acrobatics
Free runners move around by running up walls, jumping between buildings, doing backflips down staircases, seeing objects as opportunities not obstacles. Ahmed from Action in Motion will showcase his amazing acrobatic skills and explain the philosophy behind parkours. (Following our free running demo we'll show a series of the best films from the Sheffield Adventure Film Festival's sell-out Young Adventurers' screening).
SUNDAY 12.30 - Heather Dawe - A Personal Obsession with Mountains
Ultra-runner, climber and cyclist and now author and artist Heather Dawe explores her drive to keep pushing herself harder and harder. Heather has competed and won at Elite level in many mountain marathons like the LAMM and the OMM and has run the Bob Graham Round in under 22 hours. In 2008 she won the renowned Three Peaks Cyclo-cross.
SUNDAY 15.00 - Jez Bragg - Running the Length of New Zealand
Ultra-runner Jez Bragg successfully completed New Zealand?s arduous Te Araroa Trail, from top to bottom of both islands, in just 53 days - 9 days quicker than the previous record for running the length of the country. The 3,054km route also involved Jez kayaking across the notoriously dangerous Cook Strait, 120km down the Whanganui River and numerous other river and estuary crossing over the course of the expedition.
SUNDAY 17.30 - Rosie Swale Pope - The World's Longest Unsupported Run
Global Adventurer Rosie Swale-Pope is the only person in world history to have undertaken an epic solo, unsupported run around our world - over 20,000 miles facing extreme danger, bitter Siberian winters, wolves, axmen and desolate loneliness over nearly five years. Her book 'Just a Little Run Around the World' is an international best-seller.
SUNDAY 20.00 - Jason Lewis - Round the World by Human Power
In 2007 adventurer, author and sustainability activist Jason Lewis became the first person to circumnavigate the Earth without using motors or sails. He walked, cycled and inline skated across five continents, kayaking, swimming, rowing, and pedalling a boat across the rivers, seas, and oceans.
Each speaker session will include an adventure film(s) in the ticket price. Film programme will be confirmed soon. See the BAF website for more details.
Notes to Editors:
?Who: Ten speaker sessions, each including film(s) which will be confirmed soon.
When: 2nd - 3rd November 2013.
Where: Pavilion Arts Centre, part of Buxton Opera House, Peak District, Derbyshire, SK17 6XN.
Tickets: Adult: £10 for 1 session (Multi-buy saver: 3 sessions for £25); Full time students & under 16s: £5 for 1 session (Multi-buy saver: 3 sessions for £12.50); Family saver session ticket (2 adults and 2 under 16s): £20. Note: Each ticket is for a session and includes the speaker and following film programme. Adventure Bites Loop Tickets: £4. Children & Students £2 with repeat screenings all day.
We're delighted that The Old Hall Hotel in Buxton are once again sponsoring the festival, providing accommodation for our speakers, and also an official festival discount code for visitors to Buxton.
Last year, encouraged by the growth of the Sheffield Adventure Film Festival, we launched the new Buxton Adventure Festival at the Pavilion Arts Centre with the kind support of the University of Derby's Buxton Outdoor Leadership Centre and sponsors like Derbyshire outdoor equipment company Rab. Matt and I are very proud that High Peak MP Andrew Bingham mentioned us in last night's debate on Outdoor Pursuits in Parliament and grateful to Macclesfield MP David Rutley for proposing the debate. Click here to read the whole debate.
Last weekend saw us at the first ever Buxton Adventure Festival, the latest venture from Heason Events and sponsored by the University of Derby. In a little over 6 months the festival had gone from a fledgling idea to a runaway success with a 3-year headline sponsor in place, auspicious launch together with the opening of Oaklands Manor and the support of hundreds of satisfied visitors. With 10 top speakers and 30 films compressed into 2 days the action was non-stop, covering everything from wild swimming to cave diving and featuring a 2012 Paralympian and award nominated author amongst its speakers. Read the rest of the article on MyOutdoorsUK...
Thanks to our media supporter the Buxton Advertiser for all their coverage in the lead up to the Festival. This week, read Nik Cook's guide to What's On at BAF.
BMC News writes: Why not join Squash Falconer and Gordon Stainforth this weekend at the Buxton Adventure Festival?
Buxton Adventure Festival is the latest adventure organised by Heason Events - speakers, films & events for adventurous spirits and minds.
Over the two days visitors can choose from an inspirational series of ten different 2 hour talk & film sessions with tales of intrepid expeditions, challenges and races brought to life by world class speakers paired with epic films of climbs, runs and rides.
For more climbing & mountaineering events check out the BMC
Kate Rew's sadly had to withdraw from the festival for personal reasons but we're delighted Rob Fryer has been able to step into her swimming cossie. You can book to hear Rob's talk 'What It Takes To be a Wild Swimmer' at 3pm on Saturday followed by a trio of wonderful water-based films.
Rob is eminently qualified as he is chair of the world's only river swimming club (Farleigh) and of the River & Lake Swimming Association. He's also the author of The Wild Swimming Guide.
His massive book is the culmination of 13 years' research and contains more information on river and lake swimming sites than any other known publication with ratings and anecdotes about 650 sites in the UK and 250 more worldwide.
Rob's appeared frequently on radio and TV including BBC Radio 4 and Countryfile. He's been wild swimming since he was at school. Inspired and encouraged by the late Roger Deakin (author of the classic 'Waterlog') he began work on his guide.
He assiduously seeks out traditional wild swimming sites, believing that, like a treasured heirloom, knowing the "provenance" of a site adds to the enjoyment of swimming there.
As a local councillor and Mayor of Warminster Rob is a tireless campaigner for the rights of wild swimmers.
Rob confesses to being a a summer swimmer, so you will not see him breaking the the ice - that is unless he's indulging in his other passion of 'wild skating'.
We will be contacting everyone who had already booked to see Kate speak and we're confident that you'll be more than happy hearing Rob talk. But if you've got any questions please do get in touch. Thanks for your understanding
Read all about our triple dose of Mountain Bike fun at this weekend's Buxton Adventure Festival in The Bike List with Danny Butler's trials bike stunts on Saturday morning, then 2011 World Downhill Mountain Bike Champion Danny Hart on Sunday night and to top it all off Red Bull's 'Where the Trail Ends'.
This week's Friday Matinee on Outdoors Magic (editor Jon Doran's weekly round up of the week's best videos) includes Where the Trail Ends trailer after Danny Hart's downhill MTB Q&A and The Epic Tri ('an insane super triathlon') - showing as part of Richard Askwith's talk.
Read the Buxton Advertiser's The Guide to hear all about how Derbyshire author Gordon Stainforth has been short-listed for not just one but two prestigious mountaineering book awards for his new book 'Fiva: An Adventure that Went Wrong'. Gordon's speaking at BAF on Sunday 21st October at 5.30pm.
Maddie Thompson tells School Matters magazine why school matters to her and how she manages to juggle her wheelchair basketball training regime for Sheffield Steelers and Team GB with studying for her A levels.
Click here to download a digitial issue 54 (October) of School Matters
17 year old Maddie Thompson talks to the Buxton Advertiser ahead of her appearance at BAF on Saturday 20th October (10.30am) as part of our special Young Adventurers' programme. Maddie talks about playing wheelchair basketball for Team GB at the Paralympics, how she copes with training and school work and how attitudes to disability are changing.
We're proud and delighted that Buxton Adventure Festival speaker Gordon Stainforth's book 'Fiva: An Adventure That Went Wrong' has been short-listed for the prestigious Banff Mountain Book Competition.
He's one of five finalists in the Mountain & Wilderness Literature category and follows his recent nomination for the Boardman Tasker Prize.
The Banff organisers told Gordon that 2012 was exceptional year for quality work and that they've spent months reviewing more than 125 titles in 4 categories.
Gordon says: "I'm over the moon. To be short-listed for both prizes is just fantastic. I'm so honoured - especially in the face of such strong competition."
Gordon's book 'The Cuillin' won the 1994 Banff Mountain Book Festival Best Book of Mountain Image and the Outdoor Writers? Guild Award for Excellence.
British downhill star Danny Hart was unable to defend his world championship title this year after a dislocating his shoulder in a crash at Crankworx Les Deux Aples in July. The Giant-sponsored 21-year-old from Redcar spoke to Nik Cook about that crash, his rehabilitation and the day he became world champion.
BAF ENDS ON A HIGH WITH MTB EPIC FILM ?Feature length ?WHERE THE TRAIL ENDS? 8pm Sunday 21st October 2012
The UK?s latest adventure festival is set to go out on a high. The Buxton Adventure Festival will be the second only feature length screening of ?Where the Trail Ends? (80 mins) in the UK this year, following its UK premiere at the Cycle Show on 29th September.
Red Bull Media House is proud to announce that Freeride Entertainment?s ?Where the Trail Ends? will feature centrally at the 2012 Buxton Adventure Festival, recognition of the courageous and boundary-pushing nature of the newly released mountain bike film. Where The Trail Ends takes you to the most remote locations on the planet in a mountain bike expedition unlike any other ever undertaken.
The film follows the world?s top freeride mountain bikers ? including the likes of Darren Berrecloth, Cameron Zink, Kurtis Sorge, James Doerfling and Andreu Lacondecguy ? as they search for unridden terrain around the globe in the hope of shaping the future of big mountain freeriding. This film documents man's challenge of Mother Nature and himself showcased through a cast of colorful characters. This is the most progressive and ambitious mountain biking ever attempted resulting in an entertainment adventure unlike anything experienced before.
BAF Festival Director Matt Heason says: ?We?ve been waiting for the latest Red Bull production for three years and it doesn?t disappoint. To be able to end our latest event with some of the world?s best pro mountain-bikers on the big screen is awesome.?
Need another adrenaline fix? Don?t panic. The European Outdoor Film Tour is coming to the UK for the first time ever, kicking off in Manchester on 25th November with its two hour action-packed edit of 8 of the best adventure/extreme sports films out there.
The line-up ends with a special festival edit of ?Where the Trail Ends?. And with two top quality mountaineering films; an epic Arctic expedition; mystical whitewater magic; a mega Alaskan snowboarding adventure; wingsuit proximity flying and slack-lining there really is something for everybody.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Tickets for WTTE are bought part of the Downhill Demon session starting at 8pm on Sunday 21st October.
www.buxtonadventurefestival.co.uk When? Saturday 20 - Sunday 21 October 2012 ?Where? Pavilion Arts Centre, part of the Buxton Opera House? Tickets? From Buxton Opera House. Adults: £10 for 1 session (or multi-buy savers - £18 for 2, £24 for 3, £28 for 4, £30 for 5) Full Time Students & Under 16s: £5 for 1 session (or multi-buy savers - £9 for 2, £12 for 3, £14 for 4, £15 for 5).?
Family saver ticket: (2 adults and 2 under 16s): £20?
Video: Where the Trail Ends www.redbull.com/wherethetrailends ?
Where The Trail Ends is now available to buy on DVD, Blu-ray? and iTunes. www.wherethetrailends.com
Images: For Buxton Adventure Festival images (web res and high res) visit our press room: http://www.buxtonadventurefestival.co.uk/press.html High resolution Buxton University Outdoor Pursuits Centre and Kenton Cool photos are here: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjBMkvqE. For Where The Trail Ends logos please email [email protected]. For European Outdoor Film Tour images including high res images from Where the Trail Ends register on their press room http://www.eoft.eu/press/
More about the European Outdoor Film Tour:? http://www.heason.net/news/news/2012/09/18/European_Outdoor_Film_Tour_full_programme_announced/?http://www.eoft.eu/programme/where-the-trail-ends/
More about the Buxton Adventure Festival:
The festival programme of illustrated lectures followed by short films will be packed with speakers from the world of adventure, travel, photography and sport. Headline speakers include 2011 downhill mountain bike World Champion Danny Hart (interviewed by ITV Cycle Show presenter Anna Glowinski) and the Queen?s Olympic Opening Ceremony stunt-double Gary Connery who this summer became the first person to jump from a helicopter without a parachute.
The weekend feature some of Derbyshire?s finest adventurers and athletes including Derby born adventurer Squash Falcolner who climbed Everest and was the first British woman to paraglide from the top of Mont Blanc. There?ll be talks from Bamford?s internationally renowned travel photographer John Beatty and Belper writer Gordon Stainforth - who?ll be talking about his latest book ?Fiva - An Adventure that Went Wrong? chronicling he and his twin brother?s brush with death on a teenage climbing expedition. Other speakers include author of cult fell running book ?Feet in the Clouds? Richard Askwith (interviewed by adventure sports writer Nik Cook); Director of the Outdoors Swimming Society, Kate Rew; and award-winning cave-diver and film-maker Gavin Newman.
And on Saturday and Sunday mornings they?ll be two special Young Adventurer sessions with stunt mountain biker Danny Butler and Castleton?s very own 17 year old Paralympic wheelchair basketballer Maddie Thompson, fresh back from the 2012 Games, followed by an afternoon of activities.
NEW FESTIVAL BOOSTS BUXTON?
BOROUGH COUNCIL WELCOMES NEW ADVENTURE FESTIVAL & OUTDOOR RETAILERS?
+ NEW VISIT PEAK DISTRICT & DERBYSHIRE WALKING FESTIVAL
?+ DERBY UNI BUXTON & DERBYSHIRE VILLAGE GAMES FAMILY ACTIVITIES?
Momentum is gathering behind the new Buxton Adventure Festival (Oct 20-21). There will be ten speakers and thirty films over the weekend at the Pavilion Arts Centre, part of Buxton Opera House.
Sponsors Derby University, Buxton have announced Everest mountaineer Kenton Cool will formally open their new Oaklands Manor Outdoor Leadership Centre on the the eve of the festival.
High Peak Borough Council are keen to harness the weekend to promote their new strategy to attract outdoors retailers such as festival retail sponsor Hawkshead to the town ahead of the transformation of the Georgian Crescent in to a luxury hotel and spa.
Tourist board Visit Peak District & Derbyshire are launching a new Walk & Watch Festival with a dozen guided walks across the Peak District.
And to complement the festival?s two special ?Young Adventurer? sessions with Paralympian Maddie Thompson and stunt mountain biker Danny Butler the University of Derby, Buxton and Derbyshire Village Games are teaming up to put on afternoon activities for children and families of all ages.
Leader of High Peak Borough Council, Cllr Caitlin Bisknell says: ?I?m delighted that the organisers have chosen Buxton as the setting for their new adventure festival. Their decision recognises the town?s ideal location at the heart of the Peak District, as well as its first-rate event venues in the shape of the Pavilion Gardens, Pavilion Arts Centre, Opera House and Devonshire Dome. ?The timing is ideal for us as it coincides with our push to attract retailers specialising in outdoor sports and leisure equipment as part of our campaign to bring new shops into Buxton?.
Melanie Verby, Countryside and Hawkshead Retail Support Manager, said: ?Hawkshead is delighted to support the Adventure Festival. Come along to our brand new store and on production of our advert in the Buxton Adventure Festival programme, receive money off a wide range of outdoor gear. There will be fun for all the family at the store on the 20th October.?
David James, Chief Executive of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, the area?s official tourist board said: ?The Peak District?s profile as England?s Great Outdoors has never been higher thanks to the huge range of activities and pursuits on offer amid its superb and specially-protected landscapes. ?Walking is one of the most popular reasons why visitors come here, and we?re delighted that this year, for the first time, we are able to stage a two-day Peak District Walking Festival in the autumn. Not only will it coincide with the exciting new Buxton Adventure Festival on October 20 and 21, it will also complement the well-established spring Peak District Walking Festival and a string of similar events held in other parts of the area each spring and autumn.?
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Images: High resolution Buxton University Outdoor Pursuits Centre and Kenton Cool photos are here: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjBMkvqE. For Buxton Adventure Festival images (web res and high res) visit our press room: http://www.buxtonadventurefestival.co.uk/press.html
When? Saturday 20 - Sunday 21 October 2012?
Where? Pavilion Arts Centre, part of the Buxton Opera House?
Tickets? From Buxton Opera House. Adults: £10 for 1 session (or multi-buy savers - £18 for 2, £24 for 3, £28 for 4, £30 for 5) Full Time Students & Under 16s: £5 for 1 session (or multi-buy savers - £9 for 2, £12 for 3, £14 for 4, £15 for 5).
?Family saver ticket: (2 adults and 2 under 16s): £20
?www.buxtonadventurefestival.co.uk
VPDD Walk & Watch Festival details here: http://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/events/pd-walk-fest-2011.aspx
More about the festival:
The festival programme of illustrated lectures followed by short films will be packed with speakers from the world of adventure, travel, photography and sport. Headline speakers include 2011 downhill mountain bike World Champion Danny Hart (interviewed by ITV Cycle Show presenter Anna Glowinski) and the Queen?s Olympic Opening Ceremony stunt-double Gary Connery who this summer became the first person to jump from a helicopter without a parachute.
The weekend feature some of Derbyshire?s finest adventurers and athletes including Derby born adventurer Squash Falcolner who climbed Everest and was the first British woman to paraglide from the top of Mont Blanc. There?ll be talks from Bamford?s internationally renowned travel photographer John Beatty and Belper writer Gordon Stainforth - who?ll be talking about his latest book ?Fiva - An Adventure that Went Wrong? chronicling he and his twin brother?s brush with death on a teenage climbing expedition. Other speakers include author of cult fell running book ?Feet in the Clouds? Richard Askwith (interviewed by adventure sports writer Nik Cook); Director of the Outdoors Swimming Society, Kate Rew; and award-winning cave-diver and film-maker Gavin Newman.
And on Saturday and Sunday mornings they?ll be two special Young Adventurer sessions with stunt mountain biker Danny Butler and Castleton?s very own 17 year old Paralympic wheelchair basketballer Maddie Thompson, fresh back from the 2012 Games, followed by an afternoon of activities.
Adventurers and athletes from across the UK will bring their stories to the first Buxton Adventure Festival this autumn. Read more in Pure Buxton - the High Peak's free magazine for lifestyle in Buxton and the heart of the Peak District.
Great offer for readers of this month's TGO magazine - they have one pair of tickets for a Saturday session and one Sunday session to give away. Email [email protected] with your details by Oct 10 to enter. Winners will be picked at random.
Thanks to Trek & Mountain magazine for supporting the UK's newest adventure festival in Buxton at the heart of the Peak District with a weekend of live lectures and adventure films and for being a programme sponsor.
Read all about the Buxton Adventure Festival in this month's Derbyshire Life magazine & why organisers Heason Events brought the adventure festival concept to the High Peak with 10 great celebrity adventure sports speakers and 30 adventure sports films.
Top outdoors photographer John Beatty talks eloquently about his photography with images from his brilliant book Wild Vision.
Click here to watch what Outdoors Magic editor Jon Doran describes as: "a cracking podcast interview with Peak District based outdoor, wildlife and travel photographer John Beatty talking vividly about his approach to photography and his mission to photograph 'what something feels like, not what it is .. the atmospher and texture of an area'. It's accompanied by a selection of stunning images from his book Wild Vision."
Anna Glowinski, racing cyclist, fashion designer and ITV Cycle Show presenter
Look out for a Day in the Life feature with Maddie in issue 3 out in October. And read all about Katy Dartford?s adventures with Squash Falconer in the Aosta Valley.
Derbyshire mountaineer and adventurer Squash Falcolner tells the Buxton Advertiser about her latest flight from the top of one of Europe's tallest mountains and her other record-breaking achievements.
We're very excited to have teamed up with the Derbyshire Village Games, High Peak Borough Council and the University of Derby's newly opened Outdoor Education Centre to put on a host of exciting outdoor activities for kids and families both days during the festival.
I got an email yesterday from a prospective sponsor asking if I was involved with the Adventure Festival. I asked her if she meant the series of film screenings at main-street cinemas sponsored by Nissan, and she concluded that actually, that didn't sound like much of a festival. I think it's great that adventure films are screened in proper cinemas, but to call it a festival is a little rich in my book.
As such, I was a little concerned to be calling the Buxton Adventure Festival a festival. Initially all it was was a series of speakers and films in a single venue across two days, a lot more festival like than the same compilation of films screening in different cinemas on different nights, but still some way short of a real bone fida festival in my opinion. Granted, we were thinking more long term when we coined the name, planning to grow it into more and bigger venues, but I am now sleeping a lot more easily as we've teamed up with the University of Derby, High Peak Borough Council and Derbyshire Village Games to put on a load of activities for families and kids, and the Buxton Walking Festival organisers (their event usually takes place in April / May) are arranging some walks on the weekend of BAF (details soon).
Read about photographer John Beatty's thought-provoking interview on the changing nature of photography and seeing Yeti footprints in the Himalayas in the Buxton Advertiser.
The new 2013 editions of the much awaited John Muir Trust Wild Nature Diary and Wild Nature Calendar are now available from www.johnmuir.co.uk. At just £11.50 for the calendar (or three for £30) and £14.99 for the desk diary (or three for £40) or both for £23 they make a perfect gift, Christmas stocking filler or treat for your home or office.
Double Celebration for Peak District Outdoors Lovers as BAF backers Derby University Buxton Open New Outdoor Pursuits Centre to Kick off Buxton Adventure Festival Weekend
Heason Events are proud to announce that Buxton Adventure Festival backers the University of Derby Buxton are hosting a double celebration to mark both the formal opening of their new 58 acre outdoor pursuits centre and the launch of the town?s latest festival. ??On Friday 19th October - the evening before the festival starts - Kenton Cool, one of the world?s best climbers who has summited Everest a remarkable ten times, will be the University?s guest of honour at a joint reception at the Oaklands Manor Outdoor Leadership Centre.
Dr Peter Dewhurst, Strategic Director of the University of Derby Buxton, said: ?All of the improvements to Oaklands Manor and its 58 acres of surrounding land will be unveiled as we officially open the centre with help from a very big name in the adventure world, Kenton Cool.?
?A great deal of work has been going on at our new outdoor pursuits centre over the summer to make sure it?s in fantastic shape for our Adventure, Countryside and Outdoor Management students returning to Buxton or starting their studies with us in September. We hope that many of our students and members of the Buxton community will join us on Friday 19th of October to celebrate.?
Peak District events consultant Matt Heason, Heason Events, the team behind the annual Sheffield Adventure Film Festival (ShAFF) and who co-organise Sheffield?s summer outdoors festival Cliffhanger, says he?s been bowled over by Buxton?s enthusiastic response to the town?s brand new festival:
Matt Heason says: ?It?s overwhelming just how much support we?ve had. We were originally planning a low key event to test the water and have been delighted with the positive reaction from the University and High Peak Borough Council, as well as from our new patron Mike Tomlinson and all our sponsors. The facilities at the Oaklands Outdoors Centre are superb and will allow us to put on a brilliant afternoon of activities for our younger audience inspired by our Young Adventurers? morning sessions.??
Leader of High Peak Borough Council, Cllr Caitlin Bisknell says they are keen to harness the festival?s visitor potential, especially in light of the future transformation of the Crescent into a five star hotel spa. She says: ?The festival will strengthen Buxton?s reputation as a festival town and cement our credentials as a major adventure destination in the heart of the Peak District. The festival?s timing couldn?t be better as it helps to extend the tourist season and fits well with council plans to attract retailers specialising in outdoor sports and leisure equipment, as part of a wider campaign to bring a range of new shops into Buxton."
Dr Peter Dewhurst (centre) at Oaklands Manor Outdoor Leadership Centre
SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS
The University of Derby Buxton came on board with a three year title sponsorship deal as soon as they heard about the new festival.
Visit Peak District and Derbyshire are running a new two-day walking festival with a dozen walks around the Peak.
Derbyshire Village Games will be supporting the University of Derby to provide activities for families and children in the afternoons. Details tba.
Local outdoor clothing and equipment company Rab have already signed up as Event Sponsors and sponsor our speaker adventurer Squash Falcolner.
The Old Hall Hotel is an event sponsor providing speaker accommodation.
The Buxton Advertiser and High Peak Radio are our media partners as Event Sponsors.
Mike Tomlinson, trustee of Jane?s Appeal, who launched their Peak District Walk for All in the spring, readily agreed to be the festival?s first patron.
Retail sponsor is outdoor clothing company Hawkshead who will be opening a new store in Buxton.
Programme sponsors are the John Muir Trust, Trek and Mountain magazine and Osprey Packs.
Thanks to the team at Hammer Web for our logo and for their continued support.
The festival programme of illustrated lectures followed by short films will be packed with speakers from the world of adventure, travel, photography and sport. Headline speakers include downhill mountain bike World Champion Danny Hart (interviewed by ITV Cycle Show presenter Anna Glowinski) and the Queen?s Olympic Opening Ceremony stunt-double Gary Connery who this summer became the first person to jump from a helicopter without a parachute.
Please note, Friday night?s reception will be an invitation only event. Kenton Cool is not speaking as part of the main festival weekend. For media enquiries or invitation requests please contact Joanna Colburn on [email protected] or 01332 593004.
For Buxton Adventure Festival press enquiries please contact Lissa Cook at [email protected] or 07818 411 791.
Images: ??For high resolution Buxton University Outdoor Pursuits Centre and Kenton Cool photos click here. For Buxton Adventure Festival images (web res and high res) visit our press room.
When? Saturday 20 - Sunday 21 October 2012? Where? Pavilion Arts Centre, part of the Buxton Opera House? Tickets? From Buxton Opera House. Adults: £10 for 1 session (or multi-buy savers - £18 for 2, £24 for 3, £28 for 4, £30 for 5) Full Time Students & Under 16s: £5 for 1 session (or multi-buy savers - £9 for 2, £12 for 3, £14 for 4, £15 for 5).? Family saver ticket: (2 adults and 2 under 16s): £20?www.buxtonadventurefestival.co.uk
Buxton Adventure Festival speaker Gordon Stainforth has been short-listed for the prestigious 2012 Boardman-Tasker Prize- the Man-Booker of the mountaineering world - for his new book "Fiva - An Adventure That Went Wrong." The winner will be announced at the Kendal Mountain Festival on November 16th.
Gordon told Heason Events: "It's a great honour. It?s the Booker award really of the climbing literature world. I?m thrilled to bits. You have to accept that even if you don?t win it?s still like getting a bronze medal at the Olympics. People say you?re exaggerating when you say that, but all I can say is they haven?t written a book if they think it?s trivial!"
In response to Joe Simpson, best-selling author of 'Touching the Void' calling 'Fiva' a "wonderful, nostalgic, gripping, classic epic yarn with great humour [that] deserves to win many many awards", Gordon told us: "I know Joe quite well, though he?s not exactly a close friend - so to have people like that respond and say nice things is very encouraging."
He added: "It's extremely satisfying to have good reviews from great climbers like Stephen Venables and Chris Bonington but what is almost equally satisfying - possibly more - is when non climbers have come to me and said how much they?ve enjoyed the book. That to me makes it almost more satisfying and successful - that it gets through to anybody and it?s not just a specialist mountaineering story."
You can hear Gordon's illustrated talk followed by two excellent short climbing films (50 Years in the Mountains and Samsara) at 5pm on Sunday 21st October. Tickets are available to buy now from Buxton Opera House.
Belated post holiday congratulations from the Heason Events Team to Gordon! Below is my review of the book. You can read lots more and buy a copy of Fiva on Amazon.
FIVA, An Adventure That Went Wrong by Gordon Stainforth, review by Lissa Cook
I need to preface this review with a) a declaration of interest and b) a declaration of incompetence.
Author Gordon Stainforth is one of the speakers at Heason Events? latest venture - the Buxton Adventure Festival (October 20-21 www.buxtonadventurefestival.co.uk). I do Matt Heason?s PR so it?s in my self-interest to big up Gordon?s book. I confess if I?d hated this book, I?d have kept my mouth shut.
I should also point out that, though I do the PR for an adventure sports events company and am married to an adventure sports journalist, I?m possibly the least adventurous person I know. I?m an omniphobe and though I overcame my fear of heights last year with the help of a brilliant neuro-linguistic programming course (run by Will4Adventure) i?m the least likely person to be found a few thousand foot up a sheer rock face. A 50ft climb on Stanage is likely to be the summit of my climbing achievements.
So I picked up the book after a run on Saturday thinking I was being dutiful and getting a bit of PR research under my belt. Fast-forward 6 hours, a bag of toffee and numerous cups of tea later and I?d had one of those holy grail of reading moments - a truly unput-downable read.
Fiva (pronounced Fever) is the tale of the near-death experience Gordon and his twin brother John had on Store Trolltind - the highest mountain in the Romsdal region of Norway back in 1969. A 40th anniversary return trip prompted the belated comparison of log-books and reconciliation of often differing memories. Gordon chose to write in the first person as his 19 year old self. I confess I was very dubious about this, thinking it was a bit of a pretentious device and would inevitably end up sounding contrived. Two pages in and I was totally immersed.
I don?t want to spoil the story - save to say that you know when two climbers set out on a trip on a Sunday morning leaving a note saying they?ll be back by dinnertime and only take three cheese sandwiches and a couple of fruit and nut bars between them that - in true Hollywood style - it?s all bound to go horribly wrong. It does.
What?s refreshing is that you?re swept up in their youthful, naive enthusiasm and enjoy their close rapport and silly in-jokes. The story?s tinged with sadness because of their mother?s recent death from cancer and their father?s obvious desire to give his boys a taste of freedom to help them deal with their bereavement. The description of their feelings of guilt and shame at the torture they will put their father through the moment when it appears they aren?t going to get down the mountain are truly touching.
My other concern was that this first person, historical narrative would mean the adventure had no context. So John?s afterword was unexpected and welcome, giving me an interesting insight into his perspective on what had gone wrong and reflections on lessons learned.
I really can?t recommend the book highly enough. If you loved Joe Simpson?s Touching the Void, you?ll love this. And, forgive the plug, but I really can?t wait to hear Gordon?s illustrated talk in Buxton in the autumn followed by two classic climbing films - Mountain Equipment?s historical retrospective ?50 Years in the Mountains? and Samsara - Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin and Renan Ozturk?s account of the first attempt on this Himalayan face.
Thanks to Derbyshire Life magazine's editor Joy Hales for previewing our new festival in her Editor's Note (Sept 2012). You'll be able to read more about the festival in the October issue.
The line-up for the brand new Buxton Adventure Festival is now confirmed and there promises to be two days packed with great speakers from the world of adventure, travel & sport.
Festival Director Matt Heason did a double take watching the Olympics opening ceremony when he realised the Queen's skydiving stunt double was none other than Saturday night speaker Gary Connery. And we're really excited that World Champion downhill mountain biker Danny Hart will be interviewed by ITV Cycle Show presenter Anna Glowinski on Sunday night.
2011 world downhill champion Danny Hart will top the bill at the Buxton Adventure Festival, October 20-21.
Hart became the third Briton in four years to take the men?s downhill world title when he scorched to victory in Champery last September with a run that?s become legendary for its bravery and finesse and also for Rob Warner?s increasingly, erm, excited commentary.
In the final slot of the festival, at 8pm on Sunday October 21, Danny will be interviewed by Anna Glowinski, presenter of ITV?s Cycle Show, designer of AnaNichoola cycle clothing and a useful rider in her own right.
Matt Heason, Festival Director said: "We've been bowled over by the great local support we're getting for the festival in its first year. It's brilliant to have a local company like Rab on board - all the more so as they're renowned for pushing the boundaries of climbing and mountaineering - designing and producing equipment and clothing for the most extreme conditions in the world."
Nikki Skinner, Marketing Manager at Equip Outdoor Technologies Ltd said: "As a Derbyshire based company Rab® is delighted to be the Event Sponsor for BAF and have no doubt that this experience organised by Heason Events will become an established celebration of all things adventurous. This jam-packed weekend of lectures and films looks set to be interesting and fun with a programme that has something for everyone including up-and-coming young adventurers!"
Follow Rab on facebook and @Rab_outdoorgear on twitter.
Trek & Mountain has thrown its weight behind the inaugural Buxton Adventure Festival, a weekend of live lectures and adventure films, set in the heart of the Peak District. Read more on the news pages of the Trek & Mountain website.
You can also follow Trek & Mountain on facebook and to save the trek to the shops you can even buy the latest issue online.
Gary Connery is our headline speaker for the Saturday night of the festival. I noticed last week that he posted on Facebook to say that he had attended a dress rehearsal for the Olympics opening ceremony. I thought nothing more of it at the time, figuring that they had to have a dummy audience and that he had simply been invited along somehow.
On Friday night as James Bond escorted the Queen from Buckingham Palace into a waiting helicopter it suddently dawned on me what was about to happen. Of course, the Queen was going to jump out of a hekicopter and land in the stadium to officially open the games. Well, clearly the Queen wasn't going to be doing the actual jumping, but I know a man who would be! Sure enough Gary has been active on Facebook again this week posting a picture of himself sitting in the helicopter wearing a Royal Dress!
Should give him even more to talk about at the event...
