The FreeDrop tower jump is new for this year

Organisers are counting down to the UK’s biggest outdoors event aimed at outdoor enthusiasts.

Cliffhanger takes place this weekend at its new venue in Graves Park in Sheffield.

Last year’s event had to be abandoned as the city was hit by a deluge and flood warnings were issued.

But the forecast for Saturday and Sunday is for lots of sunshine and temperatures up to 24C.

Cliffhanger features the British Bouldering Championships and a new attraction this year is the 5m jump for event-goers from the top of the FreeDrop tower.

Event co-organiser Matt Heason said: “It’s great news that we’ll have FreeDrop at this year’s Cliffhanger.

“Used at the highest levels by elite freesports stars in the Mountain Bike World Cup and Snowboard Championships it’ll be a real adrenaline rush.

“I’m looking forward to having a go on the Free Drop myself.”

“It’s also exciting to have a brand new trail run, even more orienteering and two high octane mountain bike races, not to mention Britain’s best climbers going head to head in the big top.”

“It’s what Cliffhanger is all about – inspiring people of all ages with a love of the outdoors by giving them a chance to watch and try out a whole host of different sports and activities in one place.”

There will also be 5k and 10k trail races through the woods, an orienteering park course exploring the 200 acre site and a British Cycling ranking mountain bike cross-country eliminator race and dual slalom race.

Mountaineer and rock climber Joe Simpson, famous for his near-death experience retold in Touching the Void, said: “I am proud to be patron of the Cliffhanger event in my home city.

The bouldering championships will be staged at the event

“It is really appropriate that Sheffield City Council is organising such a major event, as it is ideally placed to become the outdoor activities capital of this country, with a significant part of the city being within the Peak District national park, this country’s most popular national park offering so many outdoor pursuits on the doorstep.

“I have been fortunate to be able to climb in many countries around the world, but I always love returning to Sheffield and the nearby Peak District, which has now become the home of many other climbing enthusiasts.”

Cabinet member for culture and environment, Councillor Isobel Bowler said: “Sheffield City Council is proud to present Cliffhanger 2013, which looks like a great line-up this year.

“People of all ages will have the opportunity to try out a sport or activity they’ve never tried before and it will be a great spectacle watching the champions do their thing, from the bouldering and biking to the cycle speedway and climbing experts.

“We would love to see as many people as possible who love the outdoors in Graves Park over the Cliffhanger weekend.”

Visitors to the event can pay at the gates on Saturday and Sunday. More details are on the Cliffhanger website.