Milford-on-Sea Bowls Club and Totton & Eling Bowls Club get the ball rolling in the annual Bowls’ Big Weekend, run by Bowls England in partnership with Aviva

Bowls’ Big Weekend is returning for its fifth year, and two local clubs are among the record-breaking 800-plus clubs signed up to participate.

Milford-on-Sea Bowls Club will open its doors this Sunday between 1.30pm and 5.30pm, while Totton & Eling Bowls Club will welcome the public on Saturday 24th May from 10am until 2pm.

The annual national event is designed to introduce more people to the sport of bowls, with clubs nationwide opening their doors for the bank holiday weekend, offering free taster sessions for all ages and abilities.

The weekend aims to create a welcoming atmosphere for returning players or those new to the game, but also offers a great, free day out for families.

Bowls England chief executive, Jon Cockcroft, said: “We’re so proud to be delivering our fifth Bowls’ Big Weekend over the Spring Bank Holiday.

“The event has grown year on year thanks to the incredible work of bowls clubs across our country, and it is a key part of the recent growth of our sport.

“Bowls is a sport that all ages and abilities can play. It brings family and friends together and makes people healthier and happier.”

He added: “We encourage everybody to come down and give it a go.

“You will be assured of a warm welcome, you’ll meet some great people, and you’ll enjoy the simple challenge of getting that bowl close to the Jack.”

Bowls’ Big Weekend is organised by Bowls England, in partnership with Aviva, aiming to introduce 20,000 new people to the sport this year.