The event hosted over the May bank holiday weekend saw people of all generations enjoying the trial sessions and activities, many of whom had never played the sport before!

Clubs reported a great turnout over the weekend, and as a result have seen an increase in attendance at their weekly coaching sessions and a rise in membership.

Councillor Liam Bartlett, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Tourism & Leisure said:

“The take-up of trial bowls sessions during the Bowls Big Weekend event is great news for our district's clubs and has introduced the game to a new audience as we prepare to host Lawn Bowls and Para Bowls events at next year’s Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games in Victoria Park in Royal Leamington Spa.”

Bowls England Chief Executive, Jon Cockcroft said:

“Bowls’ Big Weekend promised to be a carnival for our sport over the Bank Holiday, with record numbers of people flocking to our clubs across the country to try our great game, and in the build-up to the national open day, the media coverage exploded – putting bowls firmly in the spotlight.

“Bowls’ Big Weekend is a national initiative offering clubs the opportunity to promote our welcoming and socially-distanced sport and attract new members. We know that 20% of new bowlers join our sport on the back of open weekends, that our clubs want support to help recruit new players and that there are plenty of people out there who would love to have a go at bowls.”

To find your local Bowls Club visit the Bowls England find a club website: www.bowlsengland.com/find-a-club/.