Sheffield's popular outdoor festival Cliffhanger cancelled

The two-day event was set to take place on the weekend of July 11-12.

The main event was the British bouldering championships, which have now been pushed back to next year.

Thousands of people attended Cliffhanger which featured outdoor activities on Devonshire Green, Barker’s Pool, the Peace Gardens and The Moor.

After starting in Millhouses Park, it moved to the city centre in 2016.

The announcement follows the axing events including music festival Tramlines.

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Cliffhanger was run by the city council and partners.

Coun Mary Lea, cabinet member for culture, parks and leisure, expressed regret saying they had prioritised keeping people safe and limiting the spread of the virus.

She added: “Although some restrictions are being relaxed, it would be irresponsible to continue with plans for the event.

“In recent years Cliffhanger has grown in to an inclusive celebration, highlighting Sheffield’s unique offer of outdoor adventure and vibrant city life.

“The bouldering championship is always the main attraction and it will be a big disappointment not to see that huge climbing wall towering over Devonshire Green.

“But, as with our many other events we’ll be working hard with our partners to bring back a safe and exciting events programme in 2021.”

All council-run events have been cancelled up to at least the end of July, she added. But the city council continues to monitor the most recent guidance and is keeping future events under review.

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Nick Colton, deputy CEO at the British Mountaineering Council, said the bouldering contest had a ‘a wonderful carnival atmosphere.’

“Mindful of the safety of everyone at the event and those they go home to – as well as the vital importance of social distancing in the current crisis – it is regrettable, but right, that the event is cancelled.​”

As well as Tramlines, The Highland Fling at Graves Park and Weston May Fayre at Weston Park were cancelled. The Sheffield Half Marathon has been postponed until September.

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