It was an exciting start to the year for UK sport, as the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) announced that a World Climbing Series event will return to the UK in June 2027.

Revealed at the launch of the governing body’s new 2030 strategy, Route to Adventure, the news marks a major moment for Climbing in Britain, bringing international competition back to the UK calendar for the first time since the Climbing World Cup Edinburgh in 2022.

Taking place one year ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Games, the event, to be staged in Manchester, gives GB Climbing athletes the chance to compete on home turf in the build-up to the next Olympic and Paralympic Games, while providing sports and live event fans a rare opportunity to experience world-class competition in the UK.

Speaking on the announcement, Marco Scolaris, President of World Climbing, said: “Great Britain has a rich history in organising world class events and we are thrilled to be back with our World Climbing Series in 2027, in a city synonymous with sport.

“The timing is also perfect with the strength of the British athletes on the world stage, the climbers and the BMC have helped grow the climbing community in Britain. Since Toby Roberts capped a strong British Olympic performance with a gold medal at Paris 2024, everything has gone up another level.

“I’m excited to visit Manchester and see the reaction of the crowd not only to the British athletes, but all of our climbers. The British public always comes out to support sport, and now we will get to experience that amazing support firsthand.”

Paul Ratcliffe, CEO of the British Mountaineering Council, added: “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”.

The event, which will include Olympic and Paralympic disciplines, has been secured through collaboration between the BMC, Manchester City Council, Manchester Accommodation BID, World Climbing and substantial National Lottery investment through UK Sport.

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We were proud to support the BMC on the delivery of the announcement.  For further information on our team’s extensive sports expertise including British Cycling, Mountain Mayhem, the Festival of Cycling, GB Taekwondo, National Road Series, and UK Athletics get in touch with [email protected].  Alternatively see here for a taste of our work with Simon Jersey on the business’s sponsorship of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

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