Five-time UK climbing champion to host masterclass in Macclesfield

By Alex Greensmith 15th Nov 2022

A woman who has been a UK national lead climbing champion five times - and hopes to complete at the next Olympics - is coming to Macclesfield.

Molly Thompson Smith is one of two professional climbers who will be giving a masterclass of the sport in Macclesfield.

It is part of an all-abilities event taking place later this month at Substation Macclesfield., the state-of-the-art bouldering and wellness centre, located in Hurdsfield.

The Queen's Avenue venue will host a packed day of non-stop activities on Saturday November 26, just days after their four-year anniversary.

The Hurdsfield company opened their doors on November 18 2018.

This includes climbing workshops led by British professional climbers Molly Thompson Smith and Jen Wood. Jen has 6000 and Molly has 77000 followers on social media.

The Macclesfield climbing and yoga venue is also hosting its third Sub-Zero competition that will challenge climbers of all abilities, along with climbing workshops, and a special children's scavenger hunt, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

There will also be an interactive talk by Zofia Reych, author of Born to Climb, which chronicles the rise of the hobby to becoming an Olympic sport.

In a statement, the bouldering centre said: "For determined climbers, the Sub-Zero tournament will be an exhilarating test of strength and climbing technique."

Team GB climber Molly also has 4000 followers on Twitter @Mollytheclimber.

"Those up to the challenge will need to complete as many of the 30 comp blocs in as few attempts as possible within four hours, with scores tracked on Substation's Griptonite app.

"The top six qualifying males and females will be entered into the finals to claim victory as the Sub-Zero Champ of 2022, with the chance to win exciting prizes."

Substation will also organise a pad stacking tournament, which promises to crown the ultimate king or queen of the pad castle and a crack problem with prizes to win.

For more than just climbing enthusiasts, Substation Macclesfield will host a special children's scavenger hunt.

(Image - CC 1.0 Public Domain Oleg Bkhambri (Voltmetro) bit.ly/3O9Vdtn Cropped)

There will also be a Dyno competition - where participants will jump as far as they can between holds - with a secret twist.

There will also be coffee tasting by Pott Shrigley's Kickback Coffee, and the Substation bar will be open all day, encouraging friends and families to pop down to spectate throughout the day.

Macclesfield: Tickets start from £14.17. To book tickets you can visit here.

Substation Macclesfield is located on, Queens Court, Queen's Ave, Macclesfield SK10 2BN.