The Cliffhanger event in Sheffield will again host the British Bouldering Championships.

Katie Whittaker will defend her 2007 bouldering title
Photo: Alex Messenger/BMC

The festival is establishing itself as one of the biggest of its kind for outdoors lovers. Organisers also announced £7,000-worth of prizes, ranging from cash to snowboarding lessons. The event takes place at Millhouses Park, Sheffield, on the weekend of 12-13 July.

Cliffhanger is going ahead despite objections from local residents who said the two-day festival for outdoor enthusiasts would create disruption. Sheffield councillors have refused a drinks licence for the event.

The bouldering championships – low-level, technical climbing without ropes – will also be used to select members for the 2009 British Bouldering Team. Last year’s champions Katie Whittaker, from nearby Edale, and Gaz Parry of Bury, will defend their titles.

The festival is a showcase for extreme sports and outdoor activities. Challenges as diverse as a speleo-Olympics – testing caving skills – and angling are on offer. Visitors will also be able to try out a climbing wall, kayaking, kite-flying, slacklining and scuba diving.

Admission to the event costs £5. Details are on the Cliffhanger website.