The World Climbing Series is coming to Manchester next year

The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) has today confirmed that a World Climbing Series event will be hosted in Manchester next year.

The event will take place in June 2027, one year ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Games, giving GB Climbing athletes the chance to compete on home turf in the lead-up to the next Olympic and Paralympics.

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

The announcement was made at the launch of the BMC’s new Route to Adventure strategy and marks a significant moment for climbing in Britain, bringing a major international 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, with the return of a World Series event providing a platform to raise the profile of the sport and inspire more people to take part in climbing.

The news follows yesterday’s announcement that Manchester is set to welcome some of the world’s best cyclists next year, after the city was confirmed as a key start and finish destination for the 2027 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.

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, said: “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”.

Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure, Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester is thrilled to host the World Climbing Series event for the first time. 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 will be shared as plans are confirmed. You can sign up for updates here.

Click here to sign up to the Manchester World Series 2027 mailing list here.