Climbing | OutdoorXpo - LiveBuzz

 

 

 

 

 

OutdoorXpo · Climbing

Put your brand at the
centre of the UK climbing
community

The Climbing area connects performance-led brands with a highly engaged audience focused on progression, precision and real-world climbing, from indoor bouldering to outdoor and alpine environments.

Exhibit with Us
Visitor Climbing Profile
39%
Already participate in climbing
 
66%
Active or looking to do more
 
29%
Want to climb more
 
66% of Expo visitors are active or aspiring climbers

The UK climbing market is at an inflection point

Post-Olympic momentum, a booming indoor wall scene, and a new generation of outdoor climbers are converging to create the most dynamic period the sport has ever seen. The Climbing section puts your brand at the heart of it all.

An investment in
climbing content

A dedicated environment for climbing performance and equipment

The Climbing area is built around performance, movement and technical application. Brands sit within a focused space alongside:

  • climbing-specific retailers and equipment
  • live climbing environments
  • skills-led content and technical sessions
🧗

Live Climbing Walls

Bouldering and lead routes set by professional route-setters. Visitors can try, push grades, and engage directly with hardware and footwear brands.

🪨

Gear & Equipment

From harnesses and cams to ropes, shoes, and helmets - exhibitors across the full equipment spectrum, including UK-based manufacturers and global specialists.

🏔️

Alpine & Trad Hub

A dedicated zone for mountaineering and traditional climbing, covering expedition planning, high-altitude kit, and navigation tools.

📱

Training & Tech

Coaching apps, hangboards, strength tools, and digital platforms that are reshaping how climbers train at every level.

🌿

Sustainable Climbing

Crag conservation, eco-friendly gear innovation, and Access Land campaigning, the sustainability agenda driving climbing's next chapter.

🎤

Talks & Masterclasses

Elite athletes, expedition climbers, and industry leaders across two speaking stages. Inspirational content that draws audiences and drives traffic.

🧒

Youth & Introduction

Family-friendly sessions and taster activities designed to convert curious newcomers into lifelong participants and brand loyalists.

🏘️

Community & Clubs

BMC-affiliated clubs, indoor wall operators, and climbing charities connecting with members, prospects, and the next generation.

An Audience Focused
on Progression

The climbing audience spans indoor climbers developing technique, boulderers focused on movement and performance, and outdoor climbers progressing towards alpine environments.

 

A growing and engaged climbing audience

The Climbing area brings together a relevant and expanding audience of active and aspiring climbers. Survey data shows a strong base of existing participation, alongside a significant group looking to progress further into the sport. Combined with clear demand for technical gear and hands-on product interaction, this creates a valuable environment for climbing brands focused on performance, precision and equipment.

  • 39% of visitors already participate in climbing
  • 66% are either active or looking to do more
  • Strong demand for climbing equipment and shoe try-ons
  • A wider outdoor audience actively progressing into more technical disciplines

This is an audience that is not just interested in climbing, but actively investing in it.

Indoor boulderers Performance climbers Aspiring alpinists Outdoor climbers Gear enthusiasts Technique-focused Club members Adventure travellers
Visitor Climbing Engagement
Participate in climbing
39%
Active or want more
66%
Want to do more
29%
Source: OutdoorXpo Visitor Survey. Bars scaled for visual clarity.

A Sport in Rapid Ascent

Hard data behind the momentum, sourced from Sport England, the Association of British Climbing Walls, and independent market analysis.

376k
People regularly participating in climbing and bouldering in England in 2023, a significant year-on-year increase
Source: Sport England Active Lives Survey, 2024
9.2%
Projected CAGR for the UK climbing gym market from 2025 to 2030, outpacing most mainstream fitness categories
Source: Grand View Research, 2026
+58%
Rise in average annual customer visits to UK climbing walls between 2019 and 2023, demonstrating robust post-pandemic recovery
Source: ABC Walls Industry Survey, 2023
62%
Of newly-opened UK climbing walls (last four years) offer bouldering only, underlining strong growth at entry-level
Source: Association of British Climbing Walls, 2025

Olympic effect: Climbing's inclusion in the Paris 2024 Olympics has driven a measurable surge in public interest and media coverage. The sport's profile among 18-34 year olds, the core demographic for UK climbing walls - continues to grow, with major chains expanding to new cities across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Ready to Reach the
Heart of UK Climbing?

Whether you're a market-leading brand or an emerging innovator, the OutdoorXpo Climbing section offers the audience, the atmosphere, and the platform to make a real impact. Space is limited - enquire early to secure your position.