Concertgoer rescued after plunge left him inches away from 100ft drop at Derbyshire’s Peak Cavern

Edale Mountain Rescue Team were deployed to the popular cavern in Castleton after being alerted to the incident by Derbyshire police at around 8.55pm last night (May 19).

A man, who was attending the ‘Devils Arse’ John Shuttleworth concert, had experienced a terrifying fall from a footpath above the cavern – finding himself just inches away from a 100ft drop to the cavern floor.

Rescuers were able to lower themselves down to the concertgoer and haul him back to the crag top where he was treated for minor injuries.

A spokesperson for Edale MRT said: “A late request for assistance via Derbyshire Constabulary to Peak Cavern at Castleton.

"A gentleman travelling to attend the, "Devils Arse" John Shuttleworth concert, had followed his sat nav while walking from his overnight accommodation to the cavern. However somehow managed to end up on a footpath above the cavern.

“He came into extreme difficulties and slipped, just managing to catch a tree to arrest his fall, inches from a 100ft drop to the cavern floor.

“Unfortunately the concert had to be cancelled, and people had to be evacuated from the area due to the danger of rocks being dislodged on to the concert goers below.

“Team members made their way to the top and quickly rigged up a technical rope rescue system. Once this was all in place, a team member was lowered down to the gentleman's position, where he was secured into a rescue nappy. The gentleman had suffered a cut and some bruising above one of his eyes, other than that he seemed fit and well.

“The team hauled both the rescuer and the gentleman back up to the crag top, where he was handed over to an HART paramedic for further assessment.

“The gentleman did not need further hospital treatment and was given a lift back to his accommodation by a team member.

“Team stood down at 23:17hrs but some team members returned to our nearby base to sort out all the ropes and hardware.”

Charlotte Cooper, from Curbar, attended the concert with husband Tom and witnessed the incident.

She said: “It was about half way through the first half when we heard some shouting from outside the cavern. It was hard to hear what was said but I could make out ‘mountain rescue’.

"Then rumours were going round the crowd that someone was on the side of the sheer rock face outside the entrance. At the interval I went outside and saw a man part way down the rock face holding onto a tree.

"The audience were evacuated straight after the interval to avoid danger during the rescue. They said there were danger of falling rocks.

"The poor man must have been stuck there for hours as we saw the Mountain Rescue Land Rover arriving as we were leaving. I’m glad to hear he is OK.”

Tweeting after the incident, John Shuttleworth confirmed the man was safe adding: "We wish him well, and to my lovely Peak Cavern audience - thank you for evacuating so swiftly, and see you soon for the 2nd half!"

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