The sport of bowls is opening its doors across the country in a bid to inspire new players during this summer of sport. Sports fans have a packed sporting calendar to enjoy including the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, where bowls will once again draw attention.
Following five years of record-breaking Bowls’ Big Weekends delivered by Bowls England and the British Crown Green Bowling Association, the 2025 edition introduced more than 20,000 new players to the sport through free taster sessions held over the May Bank Holiday weekend.
Building on that success, bowls is now going even bigger, with free sessions taking place throughout the summer until the end of September across all formats of the game, adding those represented by the English Indoor Bowling Association and the English Short Mat Bowling Association.
People of all ages and abilities are invited to experience the sport first-hand and discover, or rediscover, bowls. Clubs across the sport will offer fun, flexible and informal ways to play, from relaxed open days and taster sessions to casual pay and play options that fit around modern lifestyles.
So, here’s what you need to know to make the most of the initiative.
How do you play?
There are four different versions of bowls: flat green, crown green, indoor and short mat. All four codes are participating in Bowls’ Big Summer, with each having differences but consisting of the same goal to get your bowl closest to the jack.
Bowls’ Big Summer sessions are designed to make the game as accessible as possible, so all clubs will have coaches on hand to offer instruction as well as a supportive welcome from all their members.
Shorter formats of the game have been developed, most notably Bowls’ Bash, which sees teams of two take each other on over fewer rounds than a traditional league match, and with the possibility of a sudden death tiebreaker.
Where can you play?
Finding where to play is easy, thanks to the website at the centre of the campaign, Play-Bowls.com, the go-to destination for anyone looking to get involved. It will act as the national hub for Bowls’ Big Summer 2026, making it easy for people to find their nearest club, with an interactive map to find your nearest club.
Who can play?
Bowls sessions are brilliant for all ages and abilities. They make for a great family day out, getting kids outdoors and involved in physical activity. It works for friends looking for their next competition or older players looking for a low-impact sport.
What do I have to bring?
No equipment is needed to take part, clubs will have bowls available for new players to use, and the dress code for the sessions is casual, so you just need to wear flat-bottom shoes and sun cream if needed, and you’re all set for a fun sporting day in the sun.