This summer, the sport of bowls is coming together like never before to inspire the country through Bowls’ Big Summer 2026.
Running from May through to September, Bowls’ Big Summer is a nationwide initiative designed to turn inspiration into action – supporting local clubs to open their doors and invite people of all ages and abilities to experience the sport first-hand and encourage people up and down the country to give bowls a go.
At its heart are inclusive, friendly, casual ways to play, giving communities the chance to discover bowls in a relaxed and welcoming environment regardless of format or code.
The campaign will be supercharged by the global spotlight of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, where bowls will feature prominently as one of ten sports.
With daily broadcast coverage and heightened media attention, the Games present a unique opportunity to showcase the skill, accessibility, and social benefits of bowls to a wide national audience and inspire the country to get behind the team and follow in their footsteps through local opportunity at club level.
A Sport for Everyone
Bowls is a sport that brings people together combining physical activity, mental wellbeing, and strong social connections.
Bowls’ Big Summer aims to highlight these benefits through one clear and simple message: Find your local club and give bowls a go.
Clubs across all formats of the sport will take part, offering flexible opportunities for people to get involved at a time that suits them.
Whether attending a casual open day, trying a short introductory session, or returning for follow-up coaching or casual Pay and Play sessions, participants will be encouraged to engage with the sport in a way that works for them.
One Place to Get Started | Play-Bowls.com
At the centre of the campaign is Play-Bowls.com, the destination for anyone looking to get involved.
Play Bowls will act as the national hub for Bowls’ Big Summer 2026, making it easy for people to:
• Find their nearest club
• Discover casual ways to play
• Book online and attend sessions
All campaign activity – national marketing, media coverage and club promotion – will direct audiences to Play-Bowls.com, ensuring a simple and consistent journey from inspiration to participation.
Building on Proven Success
The initiative builds on the success of the Bowls’ Big Weekend national campaigns over the last five years, where hundreds of clubs opened their doors and welcomed thousands of newcomers over a Bank Holiday weekend.
With strong public interest, positive community engagement, and significant media reach, Bowls’ Big Summer 2026 is set to be the most ambitious campaign yet.
This year’s programme will deliver a coordinated national marketing campaign, combining storytelling, video content, and media partnerships to highlight real experiences from across the bowls community while consistently driving audiences to Play-Bowls.com to take their first step into the sport.
Connecting Communities During a Landmark Summer
During the Commonwealth Games period through July and August, clubs are especially encouraged to host themed “Have a Go” events, using the excitement and visibility of the international stage to attract new participants.
With bowls in the national spotlight, Play-Bowls.com will be the key tool in converting interest into real life experiences at local clubs.
Get Involved
Bowls’ Big Summer 2026 invites everyone, individuals, families, and community groups to take part.
Whether inspired by elite competition or simply looking for a new way to stay socially connected and active, there has never been a better time to try bowls.
Clubs can download free digital marketing packs to assist in promotion of their open days, taster sessions and Pay and Play offerings this summer.
Use the link below to see what our branding store has to offer:
To find your nearest club and book a session, visit www.Play-Bowls.com.