Climbing centre makes its mark with first festival

Some of Europe's top speed climbers have struggled with the routes

A new climbing centre is hosting its first festival this weekend to "announce itself to the wider world" and attract new participants in the sport.

The 270 Climbing Park near Bentham in Gloucestershire, which officially opened earlier this month, has planned a series of workshops and talks by experts, and is urging non-climbers to get involved.

Some of the world's fastest speed climbers are competing, and the centre is also hosting live music and a DJ on Saturday night.

The centre's chief executive said: "Whether you've never climbed before or you're a really experienced climber, there will be something for you."

'Long time coming'

Speaking to BBC Gloucestershire, Andrew Glassford, said: "This is us saying hello to Gloucestershire and the wider world, and hopefully getting as many people down to have a great time, and announcing ourselves.

"It's been a long time coming. We're really proud of what we've got - the building, the team, the routes."

The centre boasts the UK's tallest outdoor climbing wall at 18m (59ft) high and 35m (114ft) wide - the equivalent height of four double-decker buses.

It also has a17m (55ft) indoor wall.

Mr Glassford said some of Europe's top military climbers had struggled with some of the routes, while anyone who beats Team GB speed climber Tommy Matthews gets a month's free membership.

"Come and have a go. Again, that's going to be great to watch, seeing people push themselves to the limits," he said.