The River Kent flowing through Kendal in calmer times. Photo: Foshie

Organisers of one of Britain’s top mountain festivals have vowed that the event will go ahead, despite floods in the town where it is to be held.

Large areas of Cumbria were under water after the district was hit by torrential rain and high winds, with 175mm (7 inches) of water falling in little over 12 hours. But Kendal Mountain Festival will go ahead, despite the deluge, which has some Lake District towns under several inches of water.

Keswick and Cockermouth were particularly affected, with homes being evacuated, but Kendal and nearby Burneside, on the Dales Way, have both been flooded too.

The VIP opening was due this evening, with films and lectures continuing at various venues in the town.

A statement from the organisers said: “You may have seen on the news that Kendal is flooded. Well, if you can climb a mountain you can also ford the water – but seriously, the festival is going ahead, people have started arriving and all is going to plan. It’s going to be the best ever, so get on your bike, get in your car and get here.”

The winner of the Boardman Tasker prize for mountain literature will be announced on Friday and there will be a premiere showing of the Asgard Project, a film by Leo Houlding and Alastair Lee.

Writer and broadcaster Cameron McNeish, and Simon Yates, subject of Touching the Void, will give lectures and there will be hands-on action for lots of outdoor activities.

Details are on the festival website.