BOWLS’ BIG SUMMER IS HERE…

And everyone’s invited.

Why Bowls’ Big Summer?

We know that recruitment of new players is the top priority for our clubs.

Bowls’ Big Summer is a new national initiative to enable all bowls clubs to capture new participants this season, with a focus on introducing potential players to bowls through traditional recruitment at the start of the season and welcoming those who want to give bowls a go at your club during the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in July/August.

Register for Bowls’ Big Summer Updates

How Can Your Club Get Involved?
1. Host Open Days
Capture new audiences who have been inspired to try bowls either through your Open Day adverts or by our fantastic Commonwealth Games stars.
2. Use Our Club Resources
Publicise your club’s open day/s – these can be held at any time to suit you throughout the season. Check out all available Bowls’ Big Summer resources and sign up for your free account at: bowlsengland.myprintdesk.net/home.
3. Update your club’s details on Play-Bowls.com
So that new people can easily find your club | Play-Bowls.com
4. Advertise vacant rink space on Play-Bowls.com
Casual players can ‘pay and play’ – generating much-needed income for your club and providing greater opportunity to attract new players | Play-Bowls.com
5. Sign up as a Bowls Bash accredited club
Our casual version of bowls is fun, sociable and for everyone! Find out more at: www.bowlsengland.com/becoming-a-bowls-bash-club
6. Order our ‘Guidance for New Bowlers’
To ensure your new participants have a simple guide to take away with them after their visit to your club, go to: bowlsengland.myprintdesk.net/category/bowls-publications/59

Want to Find Out More?

What Help is Available from Bowls England to Advertise Club Open Days and Casual Sessions?

We have created free digital resources that your club can tailor and publish on its social channels, including Facebook and Instagram. You can also create posters, leaflets and banners to advertise your club within the local community.

We are also working collaboratively with the Bowls Development Alliance, British Crown Green Bowls Association, English Indoor Bowling Association and English Short Mat Bowls Association to deliver a national bowls marketing campaign this season, with a focus on maximising media interest during the Commonwealth Games.

How to Use the Bowls England Branding Store

We have created four online tutorials:

  • Creating an Account
  • Changing Delivery Address
  • Personalising a Product
  • How to Download Your Social Media Graphic

These can be viewed below.

BBS Branding Store
Branding Store Tutorials (YouTube)
Download Your Bowls’ Big Summer Resource Kit – Step 1

Your free kit includes:

  • Social Media Facebook Headers
  • Social Media Graphics (11 types | Pick your favourite image)
  • Promotional A4 Poster (Spread awareness locally)
  • Data Capture Sheet (Collate the details of everyone who attends events at your club this summer)
  • Engagement Letter (Extracts for you to use when promoting your event)
Editable Social Media Graphics – Step 2

If you would like to add club specific details to your Social Media Graphic, please log back into the Branding Store and access ‘Step 2’ for your Free & Editable Graphics.

Please note | You do not need to proceed to the check out. Simply, use the free editor to generate a live proof.

Once you are happy, click on the download button top right and download your PNG file.

Event Promotion – Step 3

To help you spread the word and reach as many people in your community as possible, you also have the option to order printed promotional flyers, posters or a banner.

Please head to ‘Step 3’. Here you will be able to edit your preferred background/colourway and order printed items for your club!

We recommend having these delivered to a home or work address, due to many clubs being closed during the hours couriers usually deliver.

Once an order has been placed through the basket, we will file check the order before sending you a payment link to proceed to print.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve pulled together FAQs below to help your club make the most of Bowls’ Big Summer 2026.

How can we promote our club’s open days this season?
Through Bowls’ Big Summer!
We have created free-to-use assets and promotional material to support in the promotion of your clubs open days. These are available at: bowlsengland.myprintdesk.net
How can we utilise bowls’ involvement in the Commonwealth Games and other key events?
Through Bowls’ Big Summer!
We want to maximise the media attention bowls will see from the Commonwealth Games and other major events during the year, including National Bowls Finals and British Bowls events. So, whether it is hosting open days, running casual sessions or making your club accessible and easy to find online, utilise Bowls’ Big Summer to drive new participants to your club.
How does someone watching bowls at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games find our club?
Through Play-bowls.com.
Make sure your club details are up to date, casual pay-and-play sessions are available to book and you have someone ready to welcome them into your club at a time that suits you and them!
Will Bowls' Big Weekend still be going ahead?
No, Bowls’ Big Weekend will not be going ahead this year. Bowls’ Big Summer will build on the success of Bowls’ Big Weekend, allowing for an extended period to capture new audiences and showcase our sport, with a national marketing campaign focused on Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Will I receive a club resource pack like I did for Bowls' Big Weekend?
No, we will not be sending out free club packs like Bowls’ Big Weekend. Clubs can take advantage of the resources which feature on the branding store. You can choose to download items for free and/or get them printed at your own cost.
How can I access promotional material for my open day?
By visiting the Bowls England branding store, which features free-to-use assets and promotional material to support in the promotion of your clubs open days. These are available at: bowlsengland.myprintdesk.net
Can I run more than one event?
Yes!
We want to see our sport open for those who want to try bowls throughout summer. Run as many casual sessions and/or open days as you are able to make the most of Bowls’ Big Summer!
More Information

If you have any further questions about Bowls’ Big Summer, please contact Jasbir Batt, Clubs & Participation Officer | jasbir.batt@bowlsengland.com

Haven’t played bowls before but always wanted to give it a try? Now’s the perfect time! Head to Play-Bowls.com and find a club near you. Clubs will be ready to welcome you with open arms at various open days, or via their ‘Pay and Play’ offering – giving you the chance to gather your friends and family for a casual game of bowls for a small fee.

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