In April to May 2016, Cumbrian artist Derek Eland became the first ever artist in residence at Everest Base Camp, living in a temporary community of 1,000 people, including Sherpas, climbers, cooks, porters, Icefall Doctors, trekkers and medics.  Many of those were preparing to climb to the summit. Join Derek on this special evening as he shares in his own words with the help of images and film footage, his experience of 6 weeks living at Everest base camp. It will include how a Diary Room was used to collect hundreds of raw, honest and emotional handwritten stories and Derek will focus on a number of these stories, the people who wrote them and what happened. He will also share his story of his expedition team as they prepared to summit and the immediate aftermath of their summit attempts. The Everest project has been covered by the world’s media and the evening will be a fascinating exploration into the question: what it’s like to ‘be human’ in the harsh environment of Base Camp.

Exhibition open late until 6pm, Derek will be available from 5pm to sign his new book • 5pm – 7.30pm Bar open. Cafe open for evening meals, pre booking recommended  • 7.30pm Talk followed by Q & A and book signing. •  Tickets £12, £10 concs, U16 £8  • 60 minutes