Cliffhanger takes place over the weekend in Sheffield

One of England’s biggest outdoor festivals kicks off tomorrow as the two-day Cliffhanger event brings together a plethora of activities for lovers of the outdoors.

The fun starts at 10.30am on Saturday and continues into Sunday. Activities include the British Bouldering Championships run by the British Mountaineering Council, a mini mountain marathon and daylong photographic workshops, lectures and general outdoorsy displays.

Cliffhanger takes place in Millhouses Park at Sheffield, and has grown into a major draw for outdoor pursuits enthusiasts. Run by Sheffield City Council and organised by Matt Heason, the two-dayer provides visitors with the opportunity to try the dyno competition – leaping for as high a hand-hold as possible on a bouldering wall – orienteering, kayaking, parkour and freerunning, and archery. There will also be experts in many activity fields on hand to provide coaching.

The event will also provide an opportunity to see a big selection of the latest tents out of their bags and on display.

Sheffield climber Joe Simpson, famous for his near-death experience brought to the big screen in Touching the Void, said: “I am proud to be patron of the Cliffhanger event in my home city.

“It is really appropriate that Sheffield is hosting such a major event, as it is ideally placed to become the outdoor activities capital of this country, with a significant part of the city being within the Peak District National Park – this country’s most popular national park offering so many outdoor pursuits on the doorstep.

“I have been fortunate to be able to climb in many countries around the world, but I always love returning to Sheffield and the nearby Peak District, which has now become the home of many other climbing enthusiasts.”

Full details of the festival are on the Cliffhanger website.