News and pics from Alpkit's festive goings on at the weekend.
It was that potentially awkward second year for Alpkit's Big Shakeout festival in the Peak District last weekend and it was, say the Alpkitties, a palpable hit.
Over 300 folk braved the vagaries of the British climate to take part in a weekend of adventure and entertainment at Thornbridge Outdoors near Bakewell where a combination of illuminated Alpkit letters - think Time Square, but more rural - adventure films, hot food and live music welcomed festival-goers.
There was loads to do from simply chilling with mates to more active stuff. Some opted to do their own thing in the Peak before heading back for the evening's entertainment. Others took advantage of the organised courses and workshops and there was caving, canoeing, kayaking, bouldering, walking and climbing.
In addition, on-site bushcraft groups disappeared in to the woods, families got tangled up in rope courses, crawled through mole hills, teetered across high wires and enjoyed one of the many free craft workshops.
Wild Foraging...
Adventure biker Vin Cox's Wild Foraging ride followed by an intriguing cook-up of nettles, mushrooms and pheasant was a big hit - the last time we saw Vin, he was attempting a 24-hour mountain bike race on a tandem, which tells you something about his mentality - while The Adventurists' Yurt-based blend of films and talks also pulled in the crowds.
And as you can see from the photos - left and below - at night the site was transformed into an exotic party zone lit by open fires and tea lights with live music, hot food and real ale fuelling the festivities well into the night.
Back For 2013
Looks like the Big Shakeout will be back again next year with Alpkit's Col Stocker commenting:
“We are extremely pleased with how the festival is taking shape and already looking ahead to 2013. After this year we are now more passionate than ever about bringing together a wide spread of interests and abilities for a weekend that hopefully sparks new interests, grand adventures and new friends.”
Looking good. More Alpkitism at www.alpkit.com.
