By Victoria Brenan

Last updated at 17:23, Thursday, 07 February 2013

The first Cumbria Fells Fest takes place this year to highlight everything the outdoors has to offer.

Eric Robson

Broadcaster Eric Robson is backing the event, which is on April 6 and 7 in Cockermouth.

It aims to promote all activities from walking and running to cycling and climbing.

Mr Robson, host of Radio Four’s Gardeners’ Question Time and chairman of Cumbria Tourism, said he was passionate about Cumbria and will be sharing tales about his time living and working here.

He will speak at The Kirkgate Centre, in Cockermouth on the evening of April 6, before a fashion show and charity auction will be held.

During the weekend, there will be a Family Fell Run with international trail runner Ricky Lightfoot, and a five-mile fell race.

There will be trade stands with goods from local shops and producers and Matt Le Voi, of Lakeland Mountain Guides, will be leading navigational training.

The Cumbria Fells Fest also involves a mass litter pick and demonstrations by the National Trust, as well as a photography competition that is open to all ages.

All events are free, apart from the fashion show, and donations and any profits will go to the Lake District Search & Mountain Rescue Association and the Great North Air Ambulance.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” Mr Robson said.

“I have lived in Wasdale for more than 25 years and have been lucky enough to walk the fells of this gorgeous county with one of the greats, Alfred Wainwright. We shared a passion for this amazing landscape and I hope to communicate some of that enthusiasm to those visiting the Fell Fest.”

Mr Robson said he had also seen how much damage could be caused to the landscape by “inconsiderate use.”

“We owe it to everyone to highlight how we should respect the mountains and care for them so they can be enjoyed by future generations for many years to come,” he added.

“Events like Cumbria Fell Fest can play a huge part in making sure that happens.”

Entries for the photography competition are open now, with categories including best photograph by an adult amateur, best photography by a junior amateur (aged 16 and under), best photograph of an animal, and best photograph taken on a mobile phone.

All pictures will be displayed online and the public will be asked to vote.

The top 20 pictures in each category will then be displayed in a gallery at the festival and visitors will vote for their top three in each category.

Tickets for the fashion show are limited and booking is essential.

Book your place online at www.cumbriafellfest.co.uk

For more details about the photography competition and Cumbria Fell Fest in general, visit www.cumbriafellfest.co.uk.

VBrenan@cngroup.co.uk

First published at 17:20, Thursday, 07 February 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk