Applications open for prestigious Visit Great Yarmouth Festival of Bowls

Bowlers from across the UK are being encouraged to secure their spot early for the prestigious tournament, renowned for its rich history and superb competitive atmosphere, which takes place this year from Sunday, August 24, until Saturday, September 20.

This year's festival, the 78^th edition, promises to be the biggest and most exciting yet, with competitors of all skill levels - from amateurs to seasoned professionals. Bowlers will have the opportunity to showcase their talent and compete against some of the finest players in the sport, all while enjoying the camaraderie and community spirit the festival is renowned for.

There are 12 tournaments taking place during the festival including Men's Singles, Pairs, Triples and Fours, Ladies Singles, Pairs and Triples, Mixed Pairs and Triples, Over 60s Open Singles and Open Pairs and Under 21s Open Singles.

Prize money for winners and runners up will be announced after entries close, with the winners also taking home trophies for each tournament.

Ruth Cockrill, Great Yarmouth Borough Council's marketing and events officer, said: ''Last year's festival was one of the most successful ever, with keen competition across all the events and a wide range of superb winning bowlers.

''We hope this year's festival is equally as successful and enjoyable for both the competitors and members of the public who enjoy the spectacle.''

Asa Morrison, Chief Executive of Visit Great Yarmouth, said: ''We are really proud to sponsor the Great Yarmouth Festival of Bowls. Having an early autumn event provides a genuine uplift for the seafront and is of real benefit to our local accommodation sector.'' 

To register for the Visit Great Yarmouth Festival of Bowls and secure a place at the highly anticipated event, visit the official website at www.festivalofbowls.co.uk before June 16. To receive a paper version email marketing@great-yarmouth.gov.uk.

The festival is only able to go ahead thanks to generous funding and support from Visit Great Yarmouth and other sponsors.

Confirmed sponsors for this year's event already include Great Yarmouth's popular Prom Hotel and Caister's family-run chalet site, Wentworth Holidays.

Sponsorship packages are available, along with advertising packages for inclusion in the festival's official programme. For more information, please email marketing@great-yarmouth.gov.uk