A FESTIVAL encouraging people to get outdoors and try something new is making its debut in Durham this spring.

The first Durham Adventure Festival, which takes place from Friday, April 27 to Sunday, April 29 at the Gala Theatre, features ordinary people who have had the determination to get outside and do something different.

Ultra endurance cyclist Mark Beaumont will share stories from his world record breaking feat in 2017, in which he cycled 18,000 miles around the world in under 80 days. Mountaineer Andy Cave will look back on his journey from 3,000ft underground in the Yorkshire coalfields to the summit of some of the world’s highest mountains.

Elise Downing will talk about her own big British adventure, after spending 301 days running 5,000 miles around the coast of the UK. Other guests include world-leading BMX rider Pete Catherall and Anna McNuff, who cycled through all 50 states in the US.

The event is in partnership with Kendal Mountain Festival.

Robin Byers, manager for the Gala Theatre, said: “Tackling the great outdoors has never been more popular, so we set out to create an informal, fun and inspiring event which celebrates adventure, exploration and endurance.”

“Durham is a magnificent county. From wild moors to great beaches; wonderful forests to large Areas of Outstanding National Beauty, we are a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, so we hope people will join us and that we can inspire everyone to get out and create their own adventures.”

Visit www.durhamadventurefestival.co.uk