The event will take place ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games
The British Mountaineering Council has confirmed that a World Climbing Series event, sanctioned by World Climbing (formerly the International Federation of Sport Climbing) will be held in Manchester next year, marking a momentous moment for the sport in the city.
Returning to the UK in June 2027, the World Climbing Series event will take place one year ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Games, giving GB Climbing athletes the chance to compete at home in the lead-up to the next Olympic and Paralympics.
The event will feature Olympic and Paralympic disciplines and has been secured through collaboration between the BMC, Manchester City Council, World Climbing, Manchester Accommodation BID, supported by a substantial National Lottery investment through UK Sport.
The return of the event 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.
Further details on competition format, venues and scheduling will be confirmed with World Climbing and announced in due course.
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."
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. To stay up to date, sign up to the Manchester World Series 2027 mailing list here.
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