Manchester to Host Climbing World Series Event in June 2027

Taking place one year before the Los Angeles 2028 (LA28) Olympic Games, the World Series event will allow GB Climbing athletes to compete on home turf in the lead-up to the next Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games.

Including Olympic and Paralympic disciplines, the event has been secured through collaboration between the BMC, Manchester City Council, World Climbing and National Lottery investment through UK Sport.

The announcement was made at the launch of the BMC’s new Route to Adventure strategy. It brings a major international climbing competition back to the UK calendar for the first time since the IFSC Lead World Cup in Edinburgh in September 2022.

The BMC’s Route to Adventure strategy sets out how the organisation will use major events alongside sustained investment in participation and development to support the long-term growth of climbing across England and Wales. The return of a World Series event to the UK is set to provide a platform to raise the profile of the sport and inspire more people to take part in climbing.

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“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,” said World Climbing President Marco Scolaris. “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 first-hand.”

“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,” said BMC CEO Paul Ratcliffe. “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.”

“We are delighted to support this event with investment from The National Lottery,” said Esther Britten, head of major events at UK Sport. “It gives a golden opportunity for fans to see British athletes compete in the UK as they build towards the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028.”

“Manchester is thrilled to host the World Climbing Series event for the first time,” said Councillor John Hacking, executive member for skills, employment and leisure at Manchester City Council. “This marquee event will bring the world’s best climbers into the heart of the city centre to inspire the next generation and support Great Britain athletes on their journey to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with equality and Para Climbing embedded at its core.

“As a city Alive With Sport, this staging is a natural step in our wider urban sports strategy, animating our public realm and welcoming global events that deliver lasting social impact. Manchester is proud to be a global city of sport and events, and we can’t wait to showcase that spirit to the World Climbing community.”

More information about the 2027 World Series event, including competition format, venues and scheduling, will be announced in due course.