Two Americans, one Canadian and one Briton – alone on the biggest wall of the world’s highest mountain.  No high altitude porters, no ladders, no oxygen, no satellite phone, no radios.  And no hope of outside help if anything went wrong.  But they succeeded on a spectacularly difficult new route up the East Face, with Stephen Venables becoming the first Briton to reach the summit without supplementary oxygen.  He also, unintentionally, set a new record for surviving a night alone in the open at extreme altitude.  In this spellbinding and beautifully illustrated talk he recounts one of the most remarkable ascents of Everest, along with other journeys he has made around the world’s highest peak.

‘Probably the most adventurous ascent in Everest’s climbing history.’  Reinhold Messner
Stephen Venables was the first Briton to climb Everest without supplementary oxygen, by a new route up the East Face.  He has made many other first ascents in the Himalaya, the Andes and Antarctica.  He is the author of twelve books and has appeared in many mountain documentaries, including the BBC’s ‘Race for Everest’.

Exhibition open late until 6pm, Derek will be available from 5pm to sign his new book • 5pm – 7pm Bar open. Cafe open for evening meals, pre booking recommended • 7.30pm • Tickets £12, £10 concs, U16 £8  • 80 minutes with one interval (Two 40 minute talks)