More Than Just A Climbing Festival

Stick this one in your diary - December 7-9th is the date of the BMC and Entreprises Festival of Climbing at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham.

Competitions

There'll be something for everyone from climbing junkies to 'keen hill walkers' says the BMC. On the climbing side there's the World Bouldering Championships, the European Youth Cup, and the International Open, with some of the best competition boulderers in the world on display.

Bargains

But that's only part of the Festival. The 'Festival Village - why do I always think of the Carling Black Label medieval footy ad? - will be 'packed with retail stands' with every chance to pick up a bargain from the likes of Snow and Rock and Outside.

Lectures, Seminars and Films

To quote the BMC:

'Alan Hinkes is sure to pack 'em in by telling of his dream to climb all the eight-thousanders on Friday evening, and Niall Grimes will delight us (!!) with bouldering anecdotes and wacky tales later on. Jamie Andrew tells his inspirational story on Saturday morning and Jo George takes a light-hearted look at Scottish climbing whilst in the afternoon, Andy Kirkpatrick and Ian Parnell delve into the outrageous world of extreme alpine style climbing on some of the worlds toughest faces. The venerable Doug Scott will be sharing his latest exploits in Asia as a part of a series of lectures from the Mount Everest Foundation, which will also include Jerry Gore and Al Powell. Don't forget to check out what Dave Turnbull and Leo Houlding have been up to in Mozambique (Saturday night), and catch a bit of drumming from the extraordinary Alistair Lee. The final Sunday finds some of the biggest names on the scene all in action - Leo, Andy K, Hinkes, Airlie, Gore and Dunne will all be giving lectures not to be missed.'

Plus some of the best films from the Kendal Mountain Film Festival will be on show.

Tickets

Call the ticket hotline on 0870 909 4144 to reserve your places, and check www.thebmc.co.uk for further details.