Adventurous entertainment returns with BAF this September

2nd Aug

THE BUXTON Adventure Festival in association with LowePro returns in September with top adventure speakers from around the UK.

New sponsors LowePro and Exodus Travel have joined Buxton Opera House, Buxton Advertiser and Buxton Old Hall Hotel to ensure the festival can continue to bring top adventure speakers to the heart of the Peak District.

British cycling champion Dean Downing kicks off on 13th September following the summer break. He will be interviewed by cycling journalist and current Masters Team Pursuit World Champion Nik Cook, who will cover his career as a top-class competitor on both the track and road.

Supporting Dean is James Golding, who battled back from life threatening cancer to set the world distance record for cycling over seven consecutive days earlier this year, covering 1,766.2 miles. He's also raised more than £3million for charity through various cycling challenges.

On October 11th, Boardman Tasker Night will celebrate the lives and achievements of British mountaineers and authors Peter Boardman and Joe Tasker. There will be readings from their seminal works by Martin Wragg and Steve Dean followed by adventure talks from Boardman Tasker Award winners Andy Cave and Stephen Venables.

Then on 1st November, The Adventure Syndicate takes over, with Lee Craigie and Emily Chappell telling stories of their cycling competitions and expeditions. Lee is a former Commonwealth Games, World and European Championships athlete, as well as adventure cyclist and Cycletherapy founder. Emily is a former cycle courier turned author who has crossed the world on two wheels in a series of inspiring expeditions.

Finally, on 6th December, legendary hill runner Nicky Spinks will provide a personal perspective on her career, progressing from the Dewsbury 10km in 2000 to setting the Double Bob Graham record in celebration of beating cancer 10 years earlier.

“This is the second year of the mini-festival format for BAF and we’ve had some amazing speakers in the first half of ,” BAF Director Matt Heason said.

“We try to cater for everyone and this year we’ve had climbers, runners, cyclists, mountaineers and more. That continues from September to December, with more inspiring, adventurous, gruelling, exciting and aspirational talks in the heart of the Peak District.

“We are also already planning ahead for 2018, so if there are any adventurers out there keen to share their extraordinary stories, please get in touch. We hope to see you in Buxton at the next talk.”

Matt added: “I’d also like to welcome our new sponsors on board, LowePro and Exodus Travel. Without the support of all our sponsors we would not be able to organise these events.”

Tim Sadler, of LowePro marketing, said: “As part of our 50th anniversary celebrations, Lowepro are proud to be a partner of the Buxton Adventure Festival.”

Tickets are now on sale for all events for , taking place at the Pavilion Arts Centre, Buxton Opera House, Buxton, Derbyshire.

Anyone who attends a Buxton Adventure Festival event this year can claim £100 off their next Exodus Travel holiday. See the website for full terms and conditions.