01 Apr 2025
York Barbican has taken steps towards recommissioning their once-popular climbing wall, 21 years after it was decommissioned.
The original site of the wall is now a busy backstage area, so the venue is planning to mount the wall on the exterior of the building to create what is thought to be the first climbing wall on the exterior of a live entertainment venue anywhere in the world.
The new 100-foot vertical adventure will allow thrill-seekers, fitness enthusiasts, and daredevil staff who forgot their keys, to scale the building like real-life superheroes.
General Manager, Sam Ryder, said: “Guests often tell us they’re disappointed that the climbing wall is no longer in action, and fondly reminisce about the times they felt sick at the top, so we thought the best way to please everyone was to install it on the wall outside. After a successful test run, we have been given the green light provided climbers sign a very long waiver.”
To celebrate the grand opening, York Barbican is hosting a launch event featuring climbing challenges and complimentary lollies for anyone who makes it to the top without crying.
For more information, visit the venue website or just look up and wave at the people dangling off the side of the building.