Past festivals
2022
2022 was another joyous and action-packed weekend of climbing. Heading into its 7th year, the weekend saw over 350 climbers from all over the UK and beyond come together to share their passion for the outdoors. Alongside this, was the return of the ever-popular 'Breaking Barriers' workshop and a series of engaging haybale session. Talks featured everything from sphagnum moss to head game!
With a whole host of tasty veggie and vegan food, morning yoga sessions and plenty of games, there was something for everyone to join in with when they weren't climbing. A few highlights from Saturday night included the BMC 'racking up' competition (which got very heated at times!), a 'rebuild a carabiner' game from DMM, and an informal meditation with BAM ambassador Helen Roscoe.
The Beta Quiet Zone was an exciting new addition to the 2022. Filled with books, blankets and beanbags, it was inspired by feedback from the 2021 event. It was designed to carve out a space for those who may find festivals overwhelming or intense, and allowed them to take a moment of calm, whilst still feeling part of the festival. It was well used over the weekend and became a quiet haven for many.
Festival Feedback
"This was a festival of dreams. I have not stopped smiling since I left the campsite. I have spoken to everyone that will listen about how amazing the experience was."
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“I came on your funded ticket, really stuck with how to progress, learn or simply participate in a sport I love. I nearly cancelled so many times, even in tears about how I would cope on my own, would I be good enough, will I be the largest lady there and send my belayer into the sky! How would I get there, I've got no gear, the list goes on but
oh my word... You have things sorted and more, I felt loved supported, able, and alive for the first time in a climbing environment and that is down to the amazing team and beautiful WTF community.”
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“WTF showed me that I belong in the climbing community despite my
disability, chronic illness, and mental health.”
2021
After a fallow year due to COVID-19, it is so good to be back. After two years of planning, a lot's been added to this year's festival to try and make it the best yet! New additions alongside morning yoga and breezy ecoloos include the Mountain Training's Learning to Lead workshop and AMI's Breaking Barrier workshop - both prove very popular. 2021 also sees the start of our partnership with AMI, working together to increase the number of mentors at the festival.
This is a fantastic festival made with community at its heart, a sense of belonging; a space where women support women but are also supported by men who understand the need to create a safe space for women to climb in the outdoors.
Marie
Learner
A totally inspiring weekend for everyone involved, no matter what level they are at. Collaboration and community at it's best.
Esther
Mentor
2020
After months of organisation, we were devastated to have to cancel our 2020 festival due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, still keen to give something back to our wonderful community we launched our Climbers Like Me Series which set about challenging the old school perception of what it means to be a 'climber'. Alongside this, Rab also launched a film on the four organisers of WTF called 'Over the Edge'. Turned out to be a busy year after all!
Try not to stare at someone if they look different – it is hard because as humans we are curious of things we don’t often see.
Hannah
She/her
Being outdoors and having the space it allows to ‘breath’, away from binary spaces and judgments which has really helped me.
Aghi
He/him or they/them
2019
The festival is still growing...we're now over 300 people! Tickets sell out instantly, in the refresh of a page. We add new ticket types, the 'Rescue Course' and 'Parent & Child' tickets, and a masterclass for the Climber ticket holders. Our new home is Clark Farm, with breathtaking views of Sheffield framing the site. The weekend is peppered with morning runs, woodfired pizza, campfire vibes and haybale sessions.
Teaching was a rewarding experience for me. It has got me more psyched for my
MIA training next month.
Morag Eagleson
Leader
It is such a fun and supportive environment. I love how involved the sponsors are. It really feels like a little community.
Adele Doran
Rescue Course
2018
The team has a rejig - Katy passes the baton to Hetty from Rab, who impressed us last year with her epic organisation. An excellent call. Now we're almost 200 people strong. Tickets sell out in 4 minutes (faster than Glastonbury!). We introduce 'Climber' tickets and move to Thorpe Farm, with excellent views of Stanage.
I loved the collaboration between climbers, the support and encouragement people showed for strangers, the openness of everyone to share and contribute.
Rochyne McNulty
Learner
![WTF-18-Jessie_Leong-[F79A2957].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b78e6d_d40a1b40912747eaa8bfb28ed879d007~mv2_d_5729_3819_s_4_2.jpg/v1/crop/x_955,y_0,w_3819,h_3819/fill/w_144,h_144,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/WTF-18-Jessie_Leong-%5BF79A2957%5D.jpg)
The festival is full of energy, enthusiasm from everyone - organisers and participants alike, positivity and has thoughtful approach from the organisers.
Hazel Jones
Core Volunteer
2017
Gilly calls up. She and Katy Whittaker want to join the team! We expand in number to 120. Tickets sell out in 24 hours! Tenaya join the sponsorship team, running a cracking BBQ and bringing shoes. We are sponsored by DMM, Tenaya, Rab, 3rd Rock, The BMC, Mountain Training and Outside.
I went to WTF to meet other women who love climbing, to learn from them and just have a great weekend. What I got was this and so much more. I never thought I'd have come away saying I did my first lead climb.
Meg White
Learner
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It really struck me, walking around listening to the leaders, that every single woman was exhibiting gold-standard practice and teaching. The future is bright if this group of women are our next generation of instructors.'
Rachel Crewesmith
Technical Advisor
2016
The first year, run by Ellie and Charlie after a hasty 2 months of preparation. A field, some tents, a borrowed marquee and a group of climbers sharing food over a communal BBQ. 67 attendees. Supported by DMM, Outside Shop, The BMC and 3rd Rock. We run it from Eric Byne Campsite. Our friend Sandro Gromen-Hayes makes a film and Ellie writes about it on UKC…word starts spreading!
It was an amazing event and we'd love to be involved again next year. It was definitely worth it from our point of view, and more importantly I loved the climbing!
Jessica Mor
3rd Rock Founder
There was a real atmosphere at the crag - welcoming, relaxed and fun. It was open to anyone and the venues were safe, with a good range of interesting routes.