September 3rd - 6th
The UKs only dry tooling & sport climbing festival returns to Masson Lees Quarry for another year of axe swinging madness! Improving on last year but keeping all of your favourites, expect a showcase of outdoor films, talks from outdoors experts, live music, free dry tooling instruction sessions, yoga, the OAC bar, discounted kit stalls and more!
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MassonWhat?
MassonFest is the UK’s largest — and only — dry tooling & sport climbing festival, set in the unique surroundings of Masson Lees Quarry. Created by climbers for climbers, it brings together a growing community to share skills, push limits, and celebrate the sport.
Following an incredible first year and overwhelmingly positive feedback, MassonFest 2026 builds on everything people loved — expanding the programme while keeping the atmosphere that made it special.
Whether you’re a complete beginner, or an experienced climber looking to progress, MassonFest offers a welcoming and exciting environment for all abilities.
We’re proud to be supported by Black Diamond and Petzl, who will be on-site with a full range of demo equipment — giving everyone the chance to try high-quality kit in a real climbing environment.
Expect a packed programme including outdoor films, talks from industry experts, live music, free dry tooling instruction sessions, yoga, discounted gear from leading brands, the OAC bar and more.
Whether you come for the climbing, the learning, or the atmosphere, MassonFest offers a unique mix of adventure, community, and access to one of the UK’s most distinctive climbing venues.
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Things to look forward to...
Frequently Asked Questions
When is MassonFest?
MassonFest opens to the public on Thursday 3rd of September at 16:00 and will run until Sunday 6th September at 17:00. Most vendors, sessions & activities will open on Friday 4th.
Where is MassonFest?
MassonFest takes place at Masson Lees Quarry near Matlock in the Peak District. Entrance to the festival site is via the farm track that leaves Salters Lane, DE4 2PA near the top of the hill (53.131521, -1.580469 / what3words.com/braved.dares.cute).
How to get there by car?
There is limited parking on site so please consider car sharing if possible. Entrance to the festival site and off-road parking is via the farm track that leaves Salters Lane near the top of the hill. (Salters Lane DE4 2PA, 53.131521, -1.580469 / what3words.com/braved.dares.cute)
How to get there by public transport?
Matlock is serviced by regular trains from Nottingham (via Derby), and the X17 bus which runs from Barnsley via Meadowhall, Sheffield and Chesterfield. Masson Lees is 2.5km uphill from Matlock. If don't fancy the walk, there's a choice of local taxis companies.
Is there parking for MassonFest?
Yes, off-road parking is via the farm track that leaves Salters Lane near the top of the hill. (Salters Lane DE4 2PA, 53.131521, -1.580469 / what3words.com/braved.dares.cute) Do not park on Salters Lane or the farmers may damage your cars!
Can I stay in my Campervan?
Yes, vans and campers are welcome, but note the following: There is no hard standing or electric, and the camping field is approached via a narrow uneven farm track.
Can under 18s attend?
Yes. all ages are welcome at the festival, and children under 10yo are free. However, anyone under the age of 18 needs to be accompanied and supervised by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult acting in loco parentis.
Can under 18s dry-tool at MassonFest?
Due to the risks and physical challenges inherent to dry-tooling, a minimum age limit of 14 will apply at the festival. Under 18s need to be accompanied and supervised by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult acting in loco parentis.
What footwear do I need?
As the quarry and approach track are uneven and muddy, approach shoes, walking boots or mountaineering boots are recommended for all attendees. Those wishing to try dry-tooling will need B3s and mono-point crampons, or fruit boots are recommended. If you don't have them, bring rocks shoes or whatever mountaineering boots and crampons you have.
Can I borrow dry-tooling gear at Massonfest?
Yes! A wide selection of technical tools will be available to borrow during the event courtesy of Black Diamond and Petzl.
Can I bring my own food and drink?
Yes, you're welcome to bring your own food and drink to the festival. However, please do not consume alcohol until you have finished climbing/belaying for each day.
Will alcohol be served at the festival?
The bar will be serving a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the festival. However, please do not consume alcohol until you have finished climbing/belaying for each day.
I wish to get a cancel my ticket and get a refund?
You can cancel your ticket and get a full refund (minus the booking fee) up to two weeks before the event. To do so, please use the contact form below and put REFUND at the start of your message.
Who runs MassonFest?
MassonFest is run by a small group of volunteers in collaboration with the owners of Masson Lees Quarry.
What time can I arrive/When should I leave?
The site is open to attendees between 16:00 on Thursday 3rd and 17:00 on Sunday 6th. Please arrive before 20:00 on the day of your arrival and leave before 17:00 on Sunday.
Are there any local taxi companies?
Yes. Here is a list of local firms which cover the Matlock area. Maz Taxis: 07598 161151. Mr T Taxis: 07815 689241. Cross Dales Taxis: 01629 650025. Rays Taxis: 07966 924481.
What camping facilities are there?
There will be portaloos and water available in the camping field located next to the quarry. We do not have any showers.
How can I book climbing sessions?
Session Booking is not open yet but will be announced shortly. Please book a session by following the Session Bookings link, there will be some sessions available to book on the day but these will be very limited.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, well behaved and socialized dogs are allowed but must be kept on a lead due to the risk of steep drops and local farm animals. Please clean up after them, fines may be issued for dog fouling.
Do I need climbing experience to attend?
No. Anyone can attend the festival, and there plenty of activities for non-climbers. However, if you would like to give dry-tooling a go, you must be a competent climber, and bring your own 'normal' climbing equipment. See "What climbing gear do I need to bring to try dry-tooling?" for details.
Do I need climbing experience to Dry-tool at MassonFest?
Yes. While you don't need any dry-tooling experience or gear to take part, you need to be able to top-rope climb and belay safely and bring your own 'normal' climbing gear. See "What climbing gear do I need to bring to try dry-tooling?" for details.
What gear do I need to bring to try dry-tooling?
During the event there is a risk of falling objects (rocks, rabbits and ice axes). Helmets are therefore mandatory in the tooling and climbing areas. Bring your sport-climbing gear. E.g. Helmet, harness, belay, screw-gates and personal anchor system, 8-10 quickdraws if you want to climb an unequipped line (most dry tooling routes have insitu-perma-draws), a clip-stick and a single rope if you have them (there will be top-rope routes set up for those who don’t). For dry-tooling, a pair of tight-fitting gloves (golfing, mountain bike or rubber dipped work gloves are all good choices) and eye-protection are also recommended.
What axes can I use for dry-tooling?
T-rated technical tools and picks are recommended. If you don't have them, mountaineering (not walking) axes can be used with the adze and hammer removed/padded. Technical tools will also be available to borrow at the event courtesy of Black Diamond and Petzl.
What should all attendees bring?
Everyone should bring suitable sturdy footwear, warm, weatherproof clothing, head torch, water bottle. Spectators in the tooling area should bring a helmet too. For those participating in dry-tooling, see "What climbing gear do I need to bring to try dry-tooling?" Most importantly: Bring Plenty of Psyche!
What has changed from previous years?
Thanks to the involvement of the new quarry owners, this year's MassonFest is bigger and better! There will be onsite food vendors, bar, live music, stalls selling climbing and tooling gear. There will also be onsite camping, parking, water and portaloos.
