The North Face Climb Festival was back in London in 2026, turning the Royal Victoria Dock into a thrilling two-day climbing competition over the water. Almost 16,000 climbers, artists, and fans attended the sold-out event on July 17th and 18th. It featured top-level competitions, workshops with professional athletes, and a full festival experience – all as part of The North Face’s Summer Detour campaign.
The main attraction was a 14-meter climbing wall rising directly from the Royal Docks – with only water below for anyone who slipped! Over the weekend, climbers competed in qualifying rounds on Friday, followed by exciting ‘dyno’ challenges and an awards ceremony. Saturday saw the competition heat up with quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finally, the Deep Water Solo finals which concluded the event.
The event saw significant growth in 2026. Following a successful 2024 run in London – attracting almost 15,000 attendees over one weekend at Canary Wharf – the festival moved to the larger Royal Victoria Dock to accommodate increased interest. It quickly sold out, welcoming nearly 16,000 guests. This expansion is thanks to its growing international presence; previous editions have been held in cities like New York, Shanghai, and San Francisco, establishing a reputation for connecting climbers from around the world.
The festival wasn’t just about competition; it also focused on making climbing accessible and educational. Throughout the weekend, athletes like Molly Thompson-Smith, Fay Manners, and Siebe Vanhee from The North Face participated alongside renowned climbers such as Alex Honnold and Brooke Raboutou. They led bouldering workshops, showed films, and spoke at sessions on the Camp 4 stage. Attendees of all ages could try bouldering, get gear repairs at the Rhino Lab, shop at the pop-up store, and experience the atmosphere of Base Camp – offering a taste of the high-level climbing world in a safe and welcoming environment.
Beyond the sporting events, music was a key part of the festival, and a partnership with Rinse FM firmly connected it to London’s vibrant culture. The station, known for its history as a groundbreaking pirate radio station and now a respected broadcaster, featured its DJs on the main stage throughout the weekend. Artists like JYOTY, Femi Koleoso, Girls Don’t Sync, Ross From Friends, and DJ AG provided the music, while hosts Mary Mandefield, Kennedy Taylor, and Steve Scott ensured a lively atmosphere, seamlessly blending the sports and music experiences.
The North Face Climb Festival London 2026 was a successful two-day event that showcased climbing as both a sport and a vibrant community. It was the centerpiece of The North Face’s summer campaign and proved popular with attendees. The festival demonstrated The North Face’s commitment to creating spaces for people to connect, challenge themselves, and embrace adventure, and sets a strong precedent for future events.
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2026-07-24 14:26