Members of the public are invited to watch some of the UK and Ireland's most skilled arborists compete in the trees of Pittville Park this weekend, for the 2026 UK & Ireland Tree Climbing Competition (UKITCC).
This competition is run by the Arboricultural Association with the support of a large team of volunteers each year. the event is completely free to watch. No booking is required; spectators can simply turn up on the day and cheer on the competitors.
Saturday will see competitors take on five preliminary events, each designed to test the skills arborists rely on every day at work: Ascent, Throwline, Aerial Rescue, Work Climb and a Speed Climb. The top placed men and women will then go head-to-head on Sunday in the Masters' Challenge, the competition final, for the chance to represent the UK & Ireland at the European Tree Climbing Championship.
Alongside the main competition, we have a dedicated kids' tree climbing area nearby to give children an opportunity to themselves, run under close supervision by qualified instructors. Sessions were bookable in advance and are now fully booked, but spectators are welcome to watch.
Event schedule
- Saturday: Preliminary events - Ascent, Throwline, Aerial Rescue, Work Climb, Speed Climb
- Sunday: Masters' Challenge (the final)
About the competition
Held under International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) rules, the UK & Ireland Tree Climbing Competition simulates the working conditions arborists face in the field, testing competitors' ability to move safely and efficiently through a tree while carrying out real tree-care tasks. Tree climbing competitions of this kind take place in countries around the world, feeding into national, European and international championships.
Visitor information
Where: Pittville Park, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 3SH
When: Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September
Cost: Free to watch- no booking required
More info:
www.trees.org.uk/ukitcc
