HARLOW Climbing Wall officially relaunches as The Lock this weekend, 11-12 January, at a free launch event open to all, featuring legendary climber Johnny Dawes.

The facility has been fully renovated to include:

• A new heating and air-conditioning system, maintaining an optimum comfortable temperature throughout the year

• More than 100 routes up to 14m – one of the tallest walls in the South East

• 30 ‘lead lines’ for those who enjoy lead climbing

• An improved climbing surface that looks and feels fresher

• Specialist equipment to assist all abilities to reach the top, such as wheelchair abseil ramps

This weekend’s launch is both a fun introduction to climbing, and a warm welcome back to existing members.

The fun lasts all weekend. There are free taster sessions for beginners – young and old – and climbing competitions, pitched at a number of levels. A party atmosphere is guaranteed with giveaways, a barbecue, redecorated on-site café, and live music.

Johnny Dawes presents ‘stone monkey’ climbing masterclasses on Saturday afternoon (costs £30), and gives a keynote talk in the evening at 7pm (costs £15); those interested in booking for either should call 01279 620270.

County Councillor John Jowers, Cabinet Member for Libraries, Communities & Planning, said: “Climbing at The Lock can now be anything from a recreational pastime to an extreme sport – all year round. This renovation completes a fantastic facility that’s accessible to people from Essex and further afield.”