Whatever Happened to LLAMFF, the Llanberis Mountain Film Festival?
Longtime guests sometimes ask about the mountain film festival near Betws-y-Coed that used to fill Llanberis each spring. That event was LLAMFF, the Llanberis Adventure and Mountain Film Festival. As far as we’ve been able to confirm, it last ran in 2016. There’s no sign it has returned since. Here’s what LLAMFF was, and where to find similar adventure film culture today.
What LLAMFF Used to Offer
LLAMFF began as a celebration of Eryri’s outdoor culture, and it ran for well over a decade. It became one of Wales’s best known Snowdonia film festivals along the way. The festival mixed adventure film screenings with talks from climbers, paddlers and mountain bikers. Sponsored athletes led masterclasses and skills workshops most years. Evenings often finished with a quirky pub quiz or a closing party with live music. The festival used venues across the village. These included the Electric Mountain visitor centre, the Beacon Climbing Centre and Caban Cyf in nearby Brynrefail.
Why the Mountain Film Festival Near Betws-y-Coed Stopped
We couldn’t find a clear announcement explaining why LLAMFF stopped. Many small festivals lose momentum once a founding organiser or funding stream moves on. That may well be what happened here too. The official LLAMFF website and its FilmFreeway listing are both still online, though neither shows a recent edition. If you know more about its story, we would genuinely love to hear from you.
Where to Find Adventure Film Culture Today
Eryri’s mountains still inspire filmmakers, even without a dedicated local festival. The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour brings a touring programme of adventure films to Welsh venues most years. It’s worth checking their schedule before you travel. Keen enthusiasts also travel to the Kendal Mountain Festival in Cumbria each November. It’s widely regarded as the UK’s biggest celebration of mountain culture. Closer to home, the Electric Mountain visitor centre and the Beacon Climbing Centre are still there. Both remain among the best things to do near Llanberis.
Stay at Bryn Bella While You Explore
Even without the festival, Llanberis remains an easy and rewarding day out from Bryn Bella. The village sits about 16 miles away, roughly 25 minutes by car. Alternatively, take the Snowdon Sherpa S1 bus directly from Betws-y-Coed. Many guests combine a visit with a walk up Yr Wyddfa itself. Others prefer a gentler day exploring things to do in Betws-y-Coed. Afterwards, Bryn Bella makes a peaceful base to return to. Expect views over the Gwydir Forest and a warm welcome. Book your stay and start planning your own Eryri adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LLAMFF still running?
As far as we can confirm, no. The last edition we found evidence of ran in 2016, and neither the official website nor its festival listing shows a recent event.
Where can I see mountain films in Wales now?
The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour occasionally visits Welsh venues, so it’s worth checking its schedule. Otherwise, the Kendal Mountain Festival in Cumbria is the nearest major event of its kind.
Is the Electric Mountain visitor centre still open?
Yes, the Electric Mountain remains open in Llanberis, alongside the Beacon Climbing Centre nearby. Both make an interesting day out even without a festival running.
How far is Llanberis from Bryn Bella?
Llanberis sits around 16 miles from Bryn Bella. Most guests reach it by car in about 25 minutes, or by taking the Snowdon Sherpa S1 bus.