FAQs

 Brand & Partner FAQs

• What is North Downs Mountain Festival?

  North Downs Mountain Festival is a brand-new outdoor cultural festival launching in Guildford, Surrey, from 11–13 June 2027. Created by Kendal Mountain Festival and Raccoon Media Group, it celebrates adventure, storytelling, nature, movement and community. 

   

• Why launch a second Mountain Festival?

  Demand for Kendal Mountain Festival continues to grow, but many outdoor enthusiasts simply can't travel to Cumbria each November. North Downs Mountain Festival brings the same spirit to the South of England, creating a summer counterpart for a new and existing audience. 

   

• How is it connected to Kendal Mountain Festival?

  North Downs Mountain Festival is the official sister festival to Kendal Mountain Festival. It shares the same values, commitment to authentic storytelling and outdoor culture, while offering its own identity, location and summer experience.

   

• Will this replace Kendal Mountain Festival?

  No. Kendal Mountain Festival remains the flagship autumn festival in Cumbria. North Downs Mountain Festival complements it by creating a second annual gathering for the outdoor community in the South.

   

• How will North Downs differ from Kendal?

  You'll recognise the atmosphere, quality of speakers, films and storytelling, but North Downs has been designed specifically as a summer outdoor experience. Expect more outdoor activities, movement, experiences and opportunities to explore the surrounding landscape alongside the cultural programme.

• Who is the festival for?

  The festival is designed for everyone who loves spending time outdoors, from experienced adventurers to people just beginning their journey. It's about outdoor culture as much as outdoor sport.

   

• Why should brands get involved?

  Founding partners have the opportunity to help shape a brand-new festival from the beginning while benefiting from the experience and audiences of two established event organisations. The focus is on meaningful engagement rather than traditional exhibition space. 

• What kinds of brands are you looking for?

  We're looking for brands that genuinely inspire people to get outdoors. Equipment, apparel, travel, sustainability, health and wellbeing, food and drink, automotive, technology, publishers, charities and destination partners are all welcome.

   

• Is this a trade show?

  No. This is a consumer festival built around outdoor culture. Brand partners become part of the experience through activities, storytelling, workshops and experiences rather than simply exhibiting products. 

   

• How can brands express interest?

  Brand partnership enquiries are now open. Early partners will have the widest choice of opportunities and activations as we shape the inaugural festival together.

Visitor FAQs 

• When is the festival?

  North Downs Mountain Festival takes place from 11–13 June 2027 at Shalford Park, Guildford, Surrey.

   

• Where is the festival?

  The festival will be held at Shalford Park, on the edge of the North Downs National Landscape, with easy access from London and across the South East.

   

• When will tickets go on sale?

  Tickets will go on sale later in 2026. Register your interest and you'll be among the first to hear about ticket releases, early bird offers and programme announcements.

   

• How will ticketing work?

  There will be a range of ticket options, including day tickets and weekend passes. Full ticket information will be announced later in the summer.

• Will there be camping?

  Camping options are currently being explored. We'll share accommodation details, including camping and glamping, as soon as they're confirmed.

   

• What accommodation is available nearby?

  Guildford and the surrounding area offer a wide range of hotels, B&Bs, holiday lets and campsites. We'll publish recommended accommodation options before tickets go on sale.

• Can I come for just one day?

  Yes. Whether you have a single day or want to spend the whole weekend with us, there will be ticket options to suit.

   

• Will there be activities as well as talks?

  Absolutely. Alongside inspiring speakers, films and live storytelling, visitors can expect film, guided adventures, workshops, outdoor activities, brand experiences, food, music and plenty of opportunities to explore.

• Will there be food and drink?

  Yes. The festival will feature a curated selection of food and drink vendors celebrating local produce alongside festival favourites.

   

• Is the festival family friendly?

  Yes. Families are very welcome, and we're developing a programme with activities and experiences suitable for all ages.

   

• Are dogs welcome?

  We're working through the venue requirements and will confirm our dog policy closer to the festival. Assistance dogs will always be welcome.

   

• Will there be parking?

  Parking and travel information will be published well in advance of the festival, alongside public transport and active travel options.

• Is the festival accessible?

  Accessibility is a priority. Full accessibility information, facilities and visitor guidance will be available ahead of the festival.

• How do I get to the festival by public transport?

  North Downs Mountain Festival takes place at Shalford Park, Guildford. The venue is easily accessible by public transport, with rail and bus connections serving Shalford and Guildford. We encourage visitors to travel by public transport where possible. Full travel information will be available closer to the festival.

   

• Can I volunteer?

  Yes. Volunteer opportunities will open nearer the festival and are a fantastic way to become part of the inaugural event.

• How can I keep up to date?

  Register your interest and follow North Downs Mountain Festival on social media for the latest announcements on speakers, activities, tickets and brand partners.

   

Launch FAQs 

• Why Guildford?

  Guildford sits at the gateway to the North Downs National Landscape as well as a plethora of outdoor sporting opportunities, all within easy reach of more than 10 million people. It provides the perfect location to create a major outdoor culture festival for the South of England. 

• Why June?

  June offers long days, warmer weather and the ideal conditions to experience the outdoors. It complements Kendal Mountain Festival's November dates, giving the outdoor community two distinct moments in the year to come together.

• How many people are you expecting?

  We're planning for between 8,000 and 12,000 visitors in year one, with ambitions to grow the festival over the coming years. 

   

• Will there be international speakers?

  Yes. Visitors can expect a programme featuring world-class adventurers, filmmakers, authors and inspiring voices from across the global outdoor community.

• Can local businesses and clubs get involved?

  Absolutely. We're keen to work with local businesses who work within the outdoor industry to help shape the festival and celebrate everything the region has to offer.