KENDAL CYCLING FESTIVAL 2025
A bit about KCF
Due to popular demand Kendal Cycling Festival is back! Following the highly successful first ever Kendal Cycling Festival in 2023, the event is returning in May 2025.
With a full and varied programme of events, presentations, cycle rides and attractions we are taking over the May Day Bank holiday weekend. We aim to showcase the best in cycling in all its variety. Whether you are interested in stunt bikes, speed rides, accessible cycling, films, talks, getting the family out for some fresh air, or any other aspect of life on two (or three) wheels, you will find plenty to entertain you.
This year Wellbeing Westmorland CIC is partnering with Bowness Bay Brewing. The main venue for the weekend will be at the Bowness Bay Brewery yard and The Venue.
Festival Program
FRIDAY 2ND MAY
7PM- 7.30PM: OPENING CEREMONY WITH CLLR Cornhwaite
7.30PM – 9PM: VAGRANTS (LIVE MUSIC BAND)
SATURDAY 3RD MAY
10PM – 11:30PM: WHEELS FOR ALL / ACCESSIBLE CYCLE RIDE KD
12PM – 1PM: FILMS WITH KMF
2PM -3PM: PRESENTATION KAREN DARKE
3.30PM – 4.30PM: PRESENTATION WITH KATE RAWLES
5PM – 5.45PM: PANEL DISCUSSION “HOW CYCLICNG CREATES A POSITIVE CHANGE”
WITH KAREN DARKE, RICHARD INGRAM & KATE RAWLES
7.30PM – 10PM THE LAKES FOLK CEILIDH BAND
SUNDAY 4TH MAY
9.30PM -12PM: GIANT CYCLE RIDES (20,40 & 60MILES; BOOKING REQUIRED)
1:30PM – 2.15PM: TALK FROM ALISTAIR BOSTON (FRED WHITTON)
3PM – ULPHA 590 (LIVE MUSIC BAND)
SPEAKERS AND HIGHLIGHTS
The current line up includes Silver medalist paralympian Karen Darke, local cycling protagonist Kate Rawles, and films from Kendal Mountain Festival.
We’ll keep you updated on our Facebook and Instagram channels as more is added, so make sure you are following these.
Movies with KMF
3rd May 12PM - 1PM
Join us for a specially curated selection of inspiring and adrenaline-fueled cycling films, presented by Kendal Mountain Festival. From epic journeys across breathtaking landscapes to powerful personal stories, these films celebrate the spirit of adventure on two wheels.
Whether you’re a passionate cyclist, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply love incredible storytelling, this collection promises to captivate and inspire.
Movies with KMF
3rd May 12PM - 1PM
Join us for a specially curated selection of inspiring and adrenaline-fueled cycling films, presented by Kendal Mountain Festival. From epic journeys across breathtaking landscapes to powerful personal stories, these films celebrate the spirit of adventure on two wheels.
Whether you’re a passionate cyclist, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply love incredible storytelling, this collection promises to captivate and inspire.
Karen Darke
3rd May 2PM - 3PM
Karen Darke is a Paralympic athlete and explorer, who believes in “Riding for health come rain or shine!”.
A life-changing accident that left her paralysed led her from two-wheels to three. A passionate handcyclist, Karen won Paralympic Gold in Rio 2016 and has since cycled in the 7 continents, and through a fascinating landspeed project with Liverpool University engineering students in the Nevada desert, holds the Guinness World Record for arm-power.
Recent adventures have seen her cycle to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Always exploring the limits of hand cycling, come and be inspired by some ever-interesting and challenging cycle adventures.
Karen Darke
3rd May 2PM - 3PM
Karen Darke is a Paralympic athlete and explorer, who believes in “Riding for health come rain or shine!”.
A life-changing accident that left her paralysed led her from two-wheels to three. A passionate handcyclist, Karen won Paralympic Gold in Rio 2016 and has since cycled in the 7 continents, and through a fascinating landspeed project with Liverpool University engineering students in the Nevada desert, holds the Guinness World Record for arm-power.
Recent adventures have seen her cycle to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Always exploring the limits of hand cycling, come and be inspired by some ever-interesting and challenging cycle adventures.
Kate Rawles
3rd May 3:30PM - 4:30PM
Dr. Kate Rawles is passionate about using adventurous journeys to help raise awareness and inspire action on our most urgent environmental challenges.
A former University Lecturer, (Lancaster and Cumbria), she now works freelance as a writer, public speaker and environmentalist. Her latest book, The Life Cycle; 8000 miles in the Andes by Bamboo Bike (Icon, ’23) was shortlisted for the Banff Mountain Festival Adventure Travel Book Award.
Kate is a Fellow of the RGS, member of the Adventure Syndicate and an eco-ambassador for The Lake District Foundation. She lives in Cumbria and is a keen hill-walker, sea-kayaker and cyclist.
See www.outdoorphilosophy.co.uk for more info.
Kate Rawles
3rd May 3:30PM - 4:30PM
Dr. Kate Rawles is passionate about using adventurous journeys to help raise awareness and inspire action on our most urgent environmental challenges.
A former University Lecturer, (Lancaster and Cumbria), she now works freelance as a writer, public speaker and environmentalist. Her latest book, The Life Cycle; 8000 miles in the Andes by Bamboo Bike (Icon, ’23) was shortlisted for the Banff Mountain Festival Adventure Travel Book Award.
Kate is a Fellow of the RGS, member of the Adventure Syndicate and an eco-ambassador for The Lake District Foundation. She lives in Cumbria and is a keen hill-walker, sea-kayaker and cyclist.
See www.outdoorphilosophy.co.uk for more info.
“What good does cycling do?”
Panel Discussion
3rd May 5PM - 5.45PM
What happens when you bring together a Paralympian, an Outdoor Philosopher, and the Cycling Mayor of Cumbria? Three unique perspectives, one thrilling conversation – can any good come from this?
Join us as these inspiring figures dive into the world of resilience, adventure, and the future of cycling, sharing stories, insights, and bold ideas that will leave you thinking long after the discussion ends.
Expect lively debate, eye-opening perspectives, and plenty of inspiration – whether you’re a passionate cyclist, an outdoor enthusiast, or just love a great conversation, this is one event you won’t want to miss!
“What good does cycling do?”
Panel Discussion
3rd May 5PM - 5:45PM
What happens when you bring together a Paralympian, an Outdoor Philosopher, and the Cycling Mayor of Cumbria? Three unique perspectives, one thrilling conversation – can any good come from this?
Join us as these inspiring figures dive into the world of resilience, adventure, and the future of cycling, sharing stories, insights, and bold ideas that will leave you thinking long after the discussion ends.
Expect lively debate, eye-opening perspectives, and plenty of inspiration – whether you’re a passionate cyclist, an outdoor enthusiast, or just love a great conversation, this is one event you won’t want to miss!
ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD & DRINKS
Vagrants
2nd May 7.30PM
Hailing from Barrow-in-Furness, Vagrants are a high-energy five-piece band that knows how to get the crowd moving! With an electrifying mix of classic covers and original singles, they bring a fresh, dynamic sound that guarantees a night to remember.
From rock anthems to soulful ballads, Vagrants have something for everyone. Whether you’re singing along to your all-time favourites or discovering your new go-to track, their performances are packed with passion, energy, and top-tier musicianship.
Vagrants
2nd May 7.30PM
Hailing from Barrow-in-Furness, Vagrants are a high-energy five-piece band that knows how to get the crowd moving! With an electrifying mix of classic covers and original singles, they bring a fresh, dynamic sound that guarantees a night to remember.
From rock anthems to soulful ballads, Vagrants have something for everyone. Whether you’re singing along to your all-time favourites or discovering your new go-to track, their performances are packed with passion, energy, and top-tier musicianship.
The Lakes Folk Ceilidh Band
3rd May 7.30PM
The Lakes Folk Ceilidh Band, based in Northwest England, features two acclaimed musicians from the UK folk scene: Jim Boyle (fiddle) and Jimmy Patrick (guitar). The duo met while studying traditional music at university and have since performed at festivals, weddings, and corporate events.
Jim, a master of English folk and Northern English tunes, is part of the English Fiddle Ensemble. Jimmy, from Barrow-in-Furness and guitarist for the McGoldrick Family, has performed globally and at major festivals like Celtic Connections and the Fleadh, showcasing his versatility.
For this festival, they’ll host an all-ages ceilidh, with a caller guiding newcomers through the dances.
The Lakes Folk Ceilidh Band
3rd May 7.30PM
The Lakes Folk Ceilidh Band, based in Northwest England, features two acclaimed musicians from the UK folk scene: Jim Boyle (fiddle) and Jimmy Patrick (guitar). The duo met while studying traditional music at university and have since performed at festivals, weddings, and corporate events.
Jim, a master of English folk and Northern English tunes, is part of the English Fiddle Ensemble. Jimmy, from Barrow-in-Furness and guitarist for the McGoldrick Family, has performed globally and at major festivals like Celtic Connections and the Fleadh, showcasing his versatility.
For this festival, they’ll host an all-ages ceilidh, with a caller guiding newcomers through the dances.
Food from
The Flat Bread Trailer
On site
Craving something delicious? The Flat Bread Trailer has a fantastic selection of freshly made, savoury dishes to keep you fueled throughout the day.
Food from The Flat Bread Trailer
ON SITE
Craving something delicious? The Flat Bread Trailer has a fantastic selection of freshly made, savoury dishes to keep you fueled throughout the day.
THE VENUE
ON SITE
The Venue features a fully stocked bar, offering a wide selection of drinks to keep you refreshed throughout the Festival.
Whether you’re enjoying insightful talks, engaging panels, or live music, you can relax with your favourite beverage in hand.
The Venue
ON SITE
The Venue features a fully stocked bar, offering a wide selection of drinks to keep you refreshed throughout the Festival.
Whether you’re enjoying insightful talks, engaging panels, or live music, you can relax with your favourite beverage in hand. 1
KCF FAQs
SUPPORTED BY
SUBSCRIBE
We improve our products and advertising by using Microsoft Clarity to see how you use our website.
By using our site, you agree that we and Microsoft can collect and use this data. Our privacy statement has more details.
We improve our products and advertising by using Microsoft Clarity to see how you use our website.
By using our site, you agree that we and Microsoft can collect and use this data. Our privacy statement has more details.
Contact us
- Bowness Bay Brewing
- Unit 10, Castle Mills, Aynam Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 7DE
