Goat Fest 2026
The ultimate youth climbing competition returns to Climbing Hut Ellesmere Port, and this year it’s bigger, better and bolder than ever.
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Goat Fest fills a crucial gap in the competition calendar, giving the country’s top young climbers another opportunity to perform on a national stage and test themselves at the highest level. With some of the best youth competition setters in the country crafting the blocs, this year is set to deliver something special.
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Returning after leading last year’s Goat Fest is GB’s first female national competition Chief Setter, Ros Beveridge. She’ll be joined by Sammy Oakes (Depot Youth Cups), alongside our Head Setters, Tom Lloyd (Ellesmere Port) and Finlay Rogerson (Shrewsbury)
THE NEED TO KNOW!
Date: Saturday, 9th May, Climbing Hut Ellesmere Port
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Open to: Youth U19, U17, U15, U13, U11 (Ages 7–18). Climbers aged 7 or 8 are eligible for U11. See table below for categories.​
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Format: Scramble qualifiers followed by an IFSC-style grand finale, where the top six in each category will compete in the final.
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Competitor Entry Fee: £35 – Includes:
Limited edition Goat Fest T-Shirt (guaranteed if booked before 18th March)
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Psychi Chalk for every competitor
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One spectator entry included
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Prizes: Prizes for podium places & raffles on the day.
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Spectator Entry Fee: £5
GOATFEST CATEGORIES
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SCHEDULE
Please arrive on time for check in and briefing – you can sign our waiver here
Categories U11 & U13
7:45 am – 1:45 pm
7:45am – 8:30am: Check-in
8:30am - 8:45am: Brief
9:00am - 11:00am: Qualification round
11:15am - 11:30am: Appeals Window
11:30am - 1:00pm: Finals
1:00pm - 1:15pm: Appeals Window
1:15pm - 1:45pm: Podiums & Prizes
Categories U15, U17, U19
1:00am - 7:30pm
1:00pm – 2:00pm: Check-in
2:00pm – 2:15pm: Brief
2:30pm – 4:30pm: Qualification round
4:30pm – 4:45pm: Appeals Window
5:00pm – 7:00pm: Finals
7:00pm – 7:15pm: Appeals Window
7:30pm: Podiums & Prizes
Pizza served from 10:30am!
QUALIFICATION RULES
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Qualifying consists of ten blocks, with each category assigned designated blocks.
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No isolation during qualifiers – competitors may watch and communicate with others.
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Qualification blocs will be subject to spot judging.
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Each competitor is allowed five attempts per qualification problem.​
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Competitors will be ranked based on total tops, then attempts to top.​
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The top six from each category will progress to an IFSC style final with four blocs per category.
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SPECTATOR & PARENTAL INFORMATION
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One adult may accompany each competitor during qualification rounds. An additional parent may attend the final if volunteering as a judge.
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Judging positions will be assigned on a first come, first served basis, once we have filled judge slots, we will be unable to take more. Find out how to register your interest below!
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Only athletes and judges are allowed on the mats during all rounds.
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Additional spectators are welcome for the finals – entry: £5
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Parents or guardians of athletes under 14 years of age must remain on the premises.
JUDGES WANTED!
Goat Fest relies on the support of our climbing community. If you'd like to be part of the event team and get a front-row seat to the action, we’d love to hear from you. Judging positions are limited and assigned on a first-come basis.
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Register your interest by emailing EllesmerePort@ClimbingHut.com