Hundreds of climbers attend Wilton Quarries festival

Wilton Fest returned to the landmark site near Belmont on Saturday, bringing together climbers of all ages and abilities for a packed day of activities, coaching sessions, live music and community events.

Despite a damp start to the day, organisers and exhibitors said attendance picked up throughout the afternoon, with the quarry walls once again filled with climbers tackling routes across the historic venue.

Despite a damp start, the weather cleared up in the afternoon and people were in great spirits. (Image: Newsquest)

Alongside climbing demonstrations and taster sessions, visitors browsed dozens of stalls selling equipment including ropes, harnesses, chalk and specialist climbing gear, while food vendors served pizzas, hot drinks and refreshments.

Among them was Matt Lightfoot, founder of Fat Lad Climbing, whose brand grew from his own introduction to the sport.

He said: “Fat Lad Climbing started from my own experience.

“I weighed around 20 stone when I first tried climbing as a way of improving my mental and physical health.

“While I was climbing, I overheard some people joking and saying, ‘Look at that fat lad climbing.’

Instead of letting it knock his confidence, Matt decided to take ownership of it and turn it into something positive.

“That’s where the name Fat Lad Climbing came from,” he said.

Matt said the event showcased the welcoming nature of the climbing community.

Matt, founder of Fat Lad Climbing. (Image: Newsquest)

He added: “We’ve probably welcomed around 500 to 600 people throughout the day.

“The weather put a few people off this morning, but it’s definitely picked up this afternoon.

“We’ve had people of all ages and abilities coming along, and that’s what makes events like this so special.

“It’s a really welcoming atmosphere.

“The great thing about climbing is that everybody can do it at their own level.

“You don’t have to be an elite athlete to enjoy it.”

For many, that sense of inclusivity is what keeps them returning year after year.

Louise, who has been climbing for around a decade and has attended the festival for several years, said: “There’s no body type for climbing.

“It’s a sport that’s open to everyone.

“This is one of the biggest climbing festivals of its kind in the UK, and it’s completely free to attend.

“There’s no entry fee and even the tea and coffee is available for a donation.”

The atmosphere war friendly and welcoming for everyone. (Image: Newsquest)

Fellow climber Mick, who has been climbing for around 30 years, praised both the venue and atmosphere.

He said: “The climbing centre is huge.

“There are four different sections and this is only one of them.

“It’s a really impressive venue.

“We’ve been coming to this festival for around seven or eight years.”

People of all ages and abilities were climbing throughout the day. (Image: Newsquest)

Away from the quarry walls, Bolton Mountain Rescue Team was on hand to demonstrate its capabilities and speak to visitors about its work.

Team member John, who has volunteered with the organisation for 25 years, revealed rescuers had even responded to an emergency during the event.

He said: “This morning, we actually had a call-out.

“We had to leave here under blue lights towards Pennington Flash after being contacted by the ambulance service.

“They initially thought they needed our assistance, but they managed to reach the casualty and deal with the situation themselves.”

Terrence, John and Jane from Bolton Mountain Rescue. (Image: Newsquest)

John added that the team’s volunteers remain a vital part of the outdoor community.

“It’s like having a very big family.

“We have around 50 operational members and everyone works closely together.

“Everything we do is funded by donations.

“Community support is vital and we’re fortunate that people across Bolton, Bury and Westhoughton support us in many different ways.”

As climbers scaled the towering rock faces throughout the day, Wilton Fest once again highlighted why the former quarry remains one of the North West’s premier destinations for outdoor adventure, while showcasing the strong community spirit that continues to draw people back year after year.