Bowls’ Big Weekend, partnered with Aviva, is back for its fifth year! And club registration is closing in less than TWO WEEKS! Over 660 clubs signed up to take part in 2024 but 2025 will be bigger and better than ever before. This is your chance to be part of a nationwide initiative, as our sport opens its doors to welcome potential new bowlers. It’s completely free to sign-up and you’ll also receive a free resource pack and training to support you on the big day! Register your sessions for this year’s Bowls’ Big Weekend before 24th March 2025.
Bowls England are pleased to be collaborating with Cancer Research UK for Bowls’ Big Weekend 2025. Cancer has affected many within our bowls community, and in many instances, the support of the bowls family has been a lifeline.
“I haven’t held back in trying to keep the cancer to myself. I feel that if it can be of help to anyone else, I want them to know that they are not alone, and Caterham Bowling Club members have been very supportive during my operation and procedures.” Neil, Caterham Bowling Club Member.
Clubs can fundraise for Cancer Research UK during their Bowls’ Big Weekend sessions. Find out more about Cancer Research UK or if you have been affected by cancer and would like to share your story and how bowls has supported you, you can do so by clicking below.
What is Bowls’ Big Weekend?
Bowls’ Big Weekend is an annual national event, designed to introduce more people to the sport of bowls. The event takes place over May bank holiday weekend (23-26 May), during which bowls clubs across the country open their doors to the public, offering free taster sessions, to get more people playing our sport. It’s a fun, inclusive event that welcomes people of all ages and abilities to try the sport in a friendly, supportive environment. The initiative aims to promote bowls as a modern, accessible activity that brings communities together while encouraging new members to join local clubs.
Why should my club sign-up?
We are determined to make bowls truly accessible in order to increase participation in our sport. Bowls’ Big Weekend is the focal point of our work nationally to promote our sport to those outside of the bowls community, but here’s why your club should take part:
1️⃣ Receive a free resource pack with posters, flyers, social media graphics, and other materials to help promote your event locally and attract new visitors.
2️⃣ Access free training sessions to improve your club’s skills in event planning, advertising, social media promotion, and delivering an engaging taster session.
3️⃣ Join a nationwide initiative that gains national media attention from major UK broadcasters like ITV, BBC, and Sky, helping to raise awareness of bowls across the country.
4️⃣ Gain exposure through Bowls England’s national campaign, which will promote the event through our website, social media channels, and newsletters, driving more people to the sport.
5️⃣ Attract new players to your club by offering a fun, friendly taster session, introducing people of all ages and abilities to the sport of bowls in a relaxed environment, may see casual players return to book ‘pay & play’.
6️⃣ Be part of a professionally supported event with guidance from Bowls England on how to run a successful open day, ensuring you get the most out of your efforts.
7️⃣ Benefit from corporate support through Bowls England’s principal partner, Aviva, who supports Bowls’ Big Weekend.
8️⃣ Create stronger community ties by inviting local residents to your club, helping to promote bowls as a welcoming, inclusive sport for everyone within your local community.
9️⃣ Build your club’s reputation as a proactive and community-focused organization that is committed to growing the sport and engaging with the wider public.
🔟 Gain long-term benefits by introducing bowls to new player, who may never have considered bowls before, could eventually see them join as members.
If you want to find out more before signing-up or just have a question for us, please complete an enquiry form and a member of the team will get back to you.