BMC News: The World Climbing Series is coming to Manchester!
Last Thursday I was lucky enough to be invited to the British Mountaineering Council’s new strategy launch. Titled ‘Moving Together’ it was an impressive affair with some BMC bigwigs on stage and highlighting the big plans the organisation has up until the end of this decade. As well as expanding their membership to 100,000 members and embarking on various environmental projects the overriding message was one of inclusivity and community building. With all of the speakers showing a genuine and clear intent to open up the mountains to as many people as possible, this being music to my ears as part of the reason we started Outdoor Licence is to show that if we can be out there in the peaks then so can you. Having noticed that the demographic at Kendal Mountain Festival has become much more representative of modern British society in recent years, this meeting felt like another incredibly positive and pivotal moment in the outdoor world. As if these all these good vibes weren’t heartwarming enough the cherry on the mountain climbing cake came in the form of that announcement that in June 2027 the World Climbing Series would be coming to Manchester! Destined to inspire a brand new audience of climbers the event (which will include Olympic and Paralympic disciplines) has been secured through collaboration between the BMC, Manchester City Council, World Climbing and substantial National Lottery investment through UK Sport. Former Olympian and current CEO of the BMC Paul Ratcliffe was on stage at the launch event and had this to say about the World Series coming to Manchester:
“It’s exciting to be able to confirm that a World Series climbing event will return to the UK in 2027 as
part of the BMC’s major event programme. Hosting a competition of this scale in Manchester is a
strong statement about the UK’s place on the international climbing stage and a great opportunity for
our athletes, fans, the climbing community and the wider public to experience the sport at the very
highest level. Our Route to Adventure strategy sets out how we will build on moments like this to support people into climbing and help them progress, whatever their starting point. Using major events to inspire
participation, strengthen pathways and reinforce our commitment to inclusion is central to our long-
term approach”.
As the World Series event was announced I instantly myself picturing a crowd of Mancunian youths observing all those world class climbers showcasing their skills in Albert Square. Infusing these eager-eyed onlookers with the enthusiasm to hopefully go and check out their nearest climbing wall where they’d get hooked with a bug that will hopefully bring a wealth of amazing outdoor experiences into their lives. It’s a wonderful image isn’t?
Find out more about the World Climbing Series Event in Manchester 2027 and how to become a member of the BMC HERE.
