Banff Mountain Film Festival: Blue Programme

What the Blue Programme is

The Banff Mountain Film Festival began in Banff, Canada, and each year a selection of its films tours the UK and Ireland. The 2026 tour has two separate programmes, Red and Blue. Harrogate gets the Blue Programme at the Royal Hall. The Red Programme is a different set of films. Harrogate Theatre lists it for 18 February.

The Blue Programme has six short films. They include a 69-day kite-skiing trip along the coast of Baffin Island, a film about adaptive mountain biking, and a fell runner's story set in the Lake District. There is also a deep-powder skiing film shot in Japan, a downhill skateboarding film and a short about a woodworker building habitats for wild bees. The organiser says programmes can change, so check banff-uk.com for the final line-up.

Date and times

The screening is on Wednesday 25 November 2026 at 7.30pm. The tour organiser says most screenings run for a little under three hours, with an interval and a prize draw in the middle. Check your tickets for exact timings on the night.

For visitors

This is a public event. Harrogate Theatre lists tickets at £17 to £38, and the top price is for a box that seats two. Concessions and a discount for groups of six or more are available. The show is recommended for ages 12 and over, and under-16s must be accompanied. The organiser notes that some films may contain strong language. Harrogate Theatre lists the show as captioned, relaxed, audio described and BSL interpreted. For wheelchair and companion bookings, call 01423 502116.

The venue accepts card and contactless payments only. Tickets are sold through Harrogate Theatre, either online or on 01423 502116. The box office is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm.

Getting there

The Royal Hall is beside Harrogate Convention Centre. The railway station is about a 10-minute walk away. LNER runs direct trains to London King's Cross roughly hourly, and Leeds is about 35 minutes by train. Leeds Bradford Airport is about 30 minutes by taxi. There are more than 1,200 car parking spaces in the town centre, and the Convention Centre website has details.

Booking early

Boxes and the better seats tend to go first for touring screenings. If you are travelling in from Leeds, York or further afield, it is worth booking your tickets and your stay together. A late November evening is cold, so a short walk back to your accommodation helps.

After the film

Harrogate has plenty of restaurants and bars within walking distance of the Royal Hall. You could eat before the show, since it starts at 7.30pm, or find somewhere for a late supper afterwards. If you are staying a second night, the Turkish Baths in the town centre are a good way to spend the next morning.

Short Stay Harrogate has serviced apartments and townhouses in central Harrogate, many a short walk from the Royal Hall. They suit groups who want a kitchen and some space after a late evening. They are also useful if you plan to go to both the Blue and Red programmes.