Question 1

When is MassonFest?

Accepted Answer

MassonFest is held on the 3rd weekend of October: 17-19 October 2025 (4pm Friday to 4pm Sunday)

Question 2

Where is MassonFest?

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 3

Who Runs MassonFest?

Accepted Answer

MassonFest is run by a small group of  volunteers in collaboration with the owners of Masson Lees Quarry.

Question 4

How do I get to MassonFest by car?

Accepted Answer

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)

Question 5

Is there parking available at MassonFest?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

How do I get to MassonFest by public transport?

Accepted Answer

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 the choice of local taxis companies.

Question 7

Are there any local taxi companies?

Accepted Answer

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. Fox Cars: 01629 583333.

Question 8

What time can I arrive/what time should I leave?

Accepted Answer

The site opens to attendees between 14:00 on Friday and 17:00 on the Sunday. Climbing sessions start at 10:00 on  Saturday and Sunday, and finish at 17:30 on Saturday, and 16:00 on Sunday. The Bar will be open until midnight on Friday and Saturday, and up to 16:00 on the Sunday.

Question 9

What are the on-site camping facilities?

Accepted Answer

There will be portaloos and water available in the  camping field located next to the quarry.

Question 10

What alternative accommodation options are there?

Accepted Answer

MassonFest is situated in the heart of the Peak District. So, if you don't want to camp on site, there are thousands of campsites, bunkhouses, hostels, B&Bs, pubs & hotels in the area to choose from. These include a Premier Inn and several apartments and B&Bs in nearby Matlock.

Question 11

Do I need any climbing experience to attend MassonFest?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

Do I need any climbing experience to try dry-tooling at MassonFest?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

Is MassonFest open to under 18s?

Accepted Answer

Yes. all ages are welcome at the festival, and children 10 and under 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.

Question 14

Is there a minimum age limit to try dry-tooling at the festival?

Accepted Answer

Yes. 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.

Question 15

Is the event accessible to people with mobility impairments?

Accepted Answer

The approach is around 800 m across uneven and muddy ground. Within the Quarry paths are loose and include rock steps. If you would like to attend but have accessibility concerns, please get in contact with us, so the team can see if we can come up with a workable solution for your specific needs

Question 16

What should all attendees bring?

Accepted Answer

Everyone should bring suitable footwear, warm, weatherproof clothing, head torch. 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!

Question 17

What footwear do I need?

Accepted Answer

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 suitable footwear to participate.  See "What footwear do I need for dry-tooling?"

Question 18

What climbing gear do I  need to bring to try dry-tooling?

Accepted Answer

Bring your sport-climbing gear. E.g. Helmet, harness, belay, screw-gates and cows tail, 8-10 quickdraws if you want to climb an unequipped line (most 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).

Question 19

What safety gear do  I need?

Accepted Answer

During the event there is a risk of falling objects (rocks, rabbits and ice axes). Helmets are therefore mandatory in the tooling areas.  For participants, a pair of tight-fitting gloves (golf, mountain bike or rubber dipped work gloves are all good choices) and eye-protection are also recommended.

Question 20

What footwear do I need for dry-tooling?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 21

What type of axes do I need for dry-tooling?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 22

Can I borrow dry-tooling gear  at the festival?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  A wide selection of technical tools will be available to borrow during the event courtesy of Black Diamond and  Petzl.

Question 23

What has changed from previous years?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 24

Can I bring food and drink to MassonFest?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you're welcome to bring your own food and drink to the festival.

Question 25

Will alcohol be available at Massonfest?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 26

Can I bring alcohol to MassonFest?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 27

Toilets?

Accepted Answer

Yes, portaloos will be available in both the quarry and camping field.

Question 28

Can  I camp in my van?

Accepted Answer

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 farm track.

Question 29

Can I bring my dog?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Well behaved and socialized dogs on the lead are welcome. Please clean up after them during the event.

MassonFest 2025