Adventure climb set for Lichfield Cathedral

This spring there are two unique opportunities to experience climbing in a completely different setting - outside and inside the beautiful spaces of Lichfield Cathedral.

The first climb takes place on St Georges Day, Saturday 23 April, where visitors will be able to scale an 8m high climbing wall outside the stunning mediaeval cathedral, allowing a fresh perspective on the iconic west front.

The event is open from 10:00-16:00 for anyone over the age of four where an experienced team will be on hand to ensure the safety of all climbers (see the cathedral website for restrictions). Tickets can be purchased on the day or booked in advance on the website.

The second climb, taking place on Saturday April 30, will see an interactive 'Digiwall ', a climbing wall fused with a games console, installed inside the nave of the cathedral for teams to try their hand at numerous climbing games and challenges.

The Digiwall features touch sensitive climbing holds, cool lights and sounds. Climbers will be able to choose from six interactive games with three difficulty levels.

Tickets are £5 and groups of up to six can take part with a special offer to buy five tickets and get one free.

The Revd Canon Dr Gregory Platten, canon chancellor at Lichfield Cathedral explains how a climbing wall at the cathedral links to the year 's focus on being a place of healing and hope for the community it serves.

He said: “Climbing represents the hard challenges life offers and shows us how to tackle those challenges, through trial and error, just as we might a steep mountainside.

“When we climb we realise that we can do more than we ever thought possible and also that, with God 's grace all things are possible.

“Climbing and mountains are at the heart of the story of the Bible, whether we think of Moses meeting God on Mount Sinai, or Jesus telling us what it means to be holy in his sermon on the mountain.

“We hope through the very unique experience of taking on such a physical challenge in such a sacred place, that people will find a sense of wellbeing, achievement and ultimately reassurance that with God our fears can be overcome and our hopes can be restored. ”

The DigiWall is the perfect addition to any school visit (aged four and above). To book a session for schools, email: [email protected]

For further details about the climbs, visit: www.lichfield-cathedral.org/climb