Tickets are now on sale for the 2016 Women’s Climbing Symposium (WCS) and this year it's headed to Manchester's newest and shiniest climbing venue, the Depot, on Saturday 8 October.

The WCS has swiftly become a firm favourite of the climbing events calendar in the five years it's been running, touring to a different venue each year to connect, inspire and develop women’s climbing through collective climbing experiences, the latest research and the best coaching.

This inspiring event came about as a response to tackle the similar barriers described by female climbers as having a limiting effect on their ability to progress in the sport and was the brainchild of BMC Ambassador Shauna Coxsey – who made an amazing start to the year by winning gold in the first round of the IFSC Boulder World Cup, and Stephanie Meysner – co-owner of the Climbing Hangar.

WCS co-director Shauna Coxsey said: "With access to top climbing coaches and leading female figures in sport, it is no surprise that over the last five years the WCS has attracted attendees from all across Europe. We are incredibly excited to bring the event to Manchester this year and will be announcing the full programme over the next few months."

Commenting on the coming event, Depot manager Tom Newman said: "Depot Manchester is proud to be hosting this year’s Women's Climbing Symposium. We couldn't be happier to be part of such a great event."

READ: The BMC's exclusive preview of the Depot Manchester

Selling out each year, the one-day event has been fronted by a roster of top sporting talent over the years, including legendary climber Catherine Destivelle, downhill mountain bike racing champion, Rachel Atherton and UK climbers Hazel Findlay, Michaela Tracy, Mina Leslie-Wujastyk and Leah Crane.

There are only 200 full tickets and 50 talks only tickets available, so book quickly.

Co-director of the WCS is Emma Flaherty, who joined Shauna last year, helping to build on the strength of the event which this week was announced as a finalist in the Women’s Sports Trust #BeAGameChanger Awards. Determined by a public vote open now and closing on 1 May, the award recognises individuals and organisations progressing women’s sport.

WCS co-director Emma Flaherty said: “Climbing has never been more popular and women's participation in the sport is greater than ever before. Therefore, the role of the WCS is more important than ever before – enabling women to make sure they have a full and enriched experience of this amazing sport.”

Emma has also just been appointed as the BMC's new vice president and among other tasks will work closely with the BMC Women's Development Group.

To buy tickets and for the latest announcements visit the WCS website. 

Follow the WCS on Facebook and @womenclimbs on Twitter.

The BMC TV Women in Adventure Film Competition is back and accepting submissions for 2022. So dive in, if you have a story to tell or a cause to share it's time to do so!

We want to see your adventures captured on film and keep the cycle of inspiration rolling as we head into the eighth year of the competition, supported by Montane.

WATCH: All the entries to the Women in Adventure Film Competition 2021 on BMC TV

FIND OUT MORE AND ENTER: Submit an entry

WATCH: Women in Adventure Film Competition 2022 Trailer on BMC TV

Need inspiration?

WATCH: All the 2021 winners and entries

WATCH: All the 2020 winners and entries

WATCH: All the 2019 winners and entries

WATCH: All the 2018 winners and entries

WATCH: All the 2017 winners and entries

WATCH: All the 2016 winners and entries

WATCH: All the 2015 winners and entries

« Back