Festival aimed at outdoor communities lands at Shalford Park
A new three-day outdoor festival is set to take place in Guildford next summer, organisers announced, with Raccoon Media Group and Kendal Mountain Events launching the North Downs Mountain Festival at Shalford Park from 11–13 June 2027. Promoted as the sister event to the long-running Kendal Mountain Festival, the programme blends films, speakers, workshops and a wide range of outdoor activities.
The festival will offer an outdoor-focussed line-up across several themed areas, organisers said, with activities aimed at both experienced outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking accessible outdoor experiences close to London.
- Basecamp Village — partner brands, outdoor kit, food and drink
- Wild Water — kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, open-water swimming
- The Big Blue — surfing, kiting, sailing, freediving
- Vertical Worlds — climbing and bouldering
- The Trails — road, trail and gravel cycling, bikepacking and trail running (10km to ultra distances)
- Backcountry — hiking, navigation and wild camping
- Nature Connection — wildlife, conservation and ecology
- The Story House — films, books and talks
- Skills & Creativity — practical workshops and creative sessions
“We have talked for a long time about what a true southern outdoor festival could look like, and this feels like the right moment, the right location and the right partnership,”
The statement from Raccoon Media Group highlighted the partnership with Kendal Mountain Events, whose Kendal Mountain Festival — established in 1980 — attracts more than 25,000 visitors annually and, organisers say, generates up to £4 million for the Cumbrian economy. Raccoon Media Group also noted its headquarters are based in Guildford, and that the North Downs landscape offers immediate local opportunities for festival activities.
Location and local connections
Shalford Park sits within easy reach of Guildford town centre and is less than an hour by rail from London, organisers say, making the festival accessible to a broader audience. The surrounding countryside provides links to the North Downs Way, Newlands Corner and Box Hill, locations well known to local walkers, cyclists and outdoor groups.
Organisers intend the event to be more than a series of demonstrations: activity areas range from water sports to nature and conservation, while the Story House will host films, books and speaker events in the tradition of Kendal’s programme. The festival will also include sport events and a variety of workshop formats.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | 11–13 June 2027 |
| Venue | Shalford Park, Guildford |
| Organisers | Raccoon Media Group & Kendal Mountain Events |
What this means for Guildford
For local residents and businesses, the festival is likely to provide a seasonal boost in visitors and raise Guildford’s profile as a gateway to the North Downs. The variety of activities proposed suggests organisers are aiming for a broad demographic — from families looking for day activities to committed outdoorspeople seeking organised sporting events and longer trail challenges. The festival’s proximity to established North Downs routes also means it could draw visitors who combine attendance with walks or rides in the surrounding countryside.
Details on ticketing, exact event schedules and any transport or local impact planning have not been published in the organisers’ initial announcement. Further announcements from Raccoon Media Group and Kendal Mountain Events are expected as the festival planning progresses towards summer 2027.
The launch marks an expansion of Kendal Mountain Festival’s reach into the south of England and reinforces Guildford’s position as a base for outdoor businesses and events, reflecting the town’s existing links to the North Downs landscape and local outdoor culture.
