Famous Festival of Bowls returns to the borough

The UK's biggest outdoor bowls festival, Visit Great Yarmouth Festival of Bowls, is organised by Great Yarmouth Borough Council and the Festival of Bowls Committee. It returns to Great Yarmouth this summer after a Covid-enforced break.

The outdoor open bowling event, which has been running for 75 years, will take place on Britannia Bowling Greens on Great Yarmouth seafront. Thought to be the largest event of its kind, the competition attracts hundreds of bowlers and spectators each year.

For four weeks starting Bank Holiday weekend of Sunday 28 August through to Friday 23 September, the free to watch competition will hold tournaments for men, ladies, and mixed teams in single, pairs, triples, fours and under 25s.

Top competitors will be awarded prize money in each tournament.

Entries for competitors close on Thursday, 30 June. An entry form can be downloaded from the Visit Great Yarmouth website, with a new online entry form with online payment option also available.

There's also an exciting chance to join the team overseeing the running of the festival. The voluntary role of Chair of the Committee is open for applicants, who can apply by visiting https://gybc.engageats.co.uk. The closing date to receive applications is 24 April 2022.

Cllr Graham Plant, chairman of the council's economic development committee, said: "We are excited to confirm the return of our beloved Bowls Festival. The festival attracts hundreds of players and fans from all over, which really boosts the economy. It's also a great attraction for local families and residents too."

Lyndon Bevan, chair of Visit Great Yarmouth, headline sponsors of the festival, said "It will be wonderful to welcome back the players, their families and bowls fans and enjoy the great atmosphere they bring back to the seafront. Great Yarmouth is the UK's bowls capital, and we believe Great Yarmouth seafront is the best outdoor bowls venue in the country. The festival attracts people of all ages from far and wide, who can also explore the huge variety of entertainment, restaurants, pubs and attractions that our destination offers."

The bowls festival was given the green light thanks to funding from Visit Great Yarmouth, following a funding application from the Marketing, Engagement and Events Team at the council.

Any businesses interested in supporting the event with sponsorship or advertising in the event guide should contact marketing@great-yarmouth.gov.uk for more details.