British Mountaineering Council's chief executive Paul Ratcliffe announces the news. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

Manchester will host a World Climbing Series event in 2027, five years since the UK last staged a round of the competition climbing world cup.

The British Mountaineering Council announced the news at a gathering in the host city.

The event will take place in the city centre in June 2027, a year ahead of the Los Angeles Olympics, which the BMC said will give GB Climbing athletes a chance to compete on home turf in the lead-up to the Olympic and Paralympic tournaments.

The BMC oversees the GB Climbing team, and has worked with Manchester City Council, Manchester Accommodation Business Improvement District and World Climbing to bring the event to the city. It said substantial National Lottery investment has been secured through UK Sport, the body that supports high-performance athletes.

World Climbing, formerly known as the International Federation of Sport Climbing, is the international governing body for climbing. Its president Marco Scolaris 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.”

The announcement was made at the British Mountaineering Council's stategy launch at the Campfield Centre in Manchester. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

The BMC, which is based in a suburb of Manchester and represents climbers, mountaineers and hillwalkers in England and Wales, said the announcement formed part of its Route to Adventure strategy, using major events alongside sustained investment in participation and development to support the long-term growth of climbing.

Launched as part of the Moving Together campaign, the BMC said its Route to Adventure strategy puts access to nature, community wellbeing, skills development and grassroots participation at its core.

“Developed over a year of consultation with members and the wider outdoor community, the roadmap sets out practical steps to broaden participation, strengthen skills, safeguard landscapes and build a more diverse and inclusive adventure community,” it said.

Its chief executive Paul Ratcliffe said: “Our activities can be and are life changing.

“For many people, walking in the hills or climbing at a local wall is not about performance, it’s about personal challenge, mental health, confidence and feeling part of something bigger.

“Route to Adventure is about making sure those benefits are available for all, regardless of background or starting point.

“With more people seeking adventure in the hills, on crags and at climbing walls, the BMC is taking responsibility to make adventure accessible to everyone – and to give people the practical skills and confidence to explore safely.”

The organisation said protecting access to land and landscapes is central to the strategy, at a time when pressure on green spaces is increasing and current ‘right to road’ gives access to just 8 per cent of England. The BMC says campaigning for responsible access, caring for fragile environments, and supporting community-led conservation will be essential to ensuring future generations can enjoy the outdoors.

“The strategy recognises the important role indoor climbing plays as a gateway to outdoor adventure, particularly for younger people and those new to the sport. The connection between grassroots participation and elite performance is underlined, supporting journeys that run from first experiences outdoors to Olympic, Paralympic and world-class competition, as well as mountaineering at the highest level,” it said.

More information on the 2027 Climbing World Series will be released when plans have been confirmed.