Bowls is once again opening its doors to people from around the country ‘in a bid to inspire new players during this summer of sport.
Bowls will be one of ten sports featured at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with the sport looking to capitalise on the attention born from those games.

The past five editions of the Bowls’ Big Weekends, delivered by Bowls England and the British Crown Green Bowling Association, have seen record-breaking figures attend the events.

The 2025 edition ‘introduced more than 20,000 new players to the sport through free taster sessions held over the May Bank Holiday weekend.

The sport is now hoping to build upon those figures with free sessions across all formats of the game, including those represented by the ‘English Indoor Bowling Association and the English Short Mat Bowling Association’, taking place until the end of September.
People of all ages and abilities have been invited to experience and discover, or rediscover, the sport, with clubs from across the sports offering ‘fun, flexible and informal ways to play’.

How do you play?

All four different versions of bowls, flat green, crown green, indoor and short mat, will be available to try during Bowls’ Big Summer. Shorter formats of the game have also been developed, with Bowls Bash, which sees teams of two take each other on over fewer rounds, being the most noticeable.

The big summer sessions have been ‘designed to make the game as accessible as possible', meaning all clubs will have their coaches and supportive members on hand to make the experience as enjoyable as possible.

Photo: New Reach

Where can you play?
https://www.play-bowls.com/
The above link 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 it’.

Who can play?

Bowls sessions are ‘brilliant for all ages and abilities', meaning it makes for ‘a great family day out, for friends looking for their next competition or for older players looking for a low-impact sport’.

What do I have to bring?

People wishing to take part do not have to bring equipment, with the clubs having bowls available for people to use. The dress code for the sessions is casual, meaning ‘you just need to wear flat-bottom shoes’.