Visit Great Yarmouth Festival bowled over by success of annual competition

The annual Visit Great Yarmouth Festival of Bowls attracts competitors from across the country and runs over four weeks every August and September and features 12 different tournaments.

This year, The Mayor of Great Yarmouth, Councillor Paula Waters-Bunn, officially closed the festival after the final of the Over 60s Open Pairs on September 21.

The prestigious event saw more than 760 professional and amateur bowlers arrive in the town from August Bank Holiday Sunday to take part in hard-fought competition on the seafront greens.

Ruth Cockrill, Great Yarmouth Borough Council's marketing and events officer, said: ''This year's festival was a huge success and we enjoyed some fantastic weather and brilliant competition.

''There were 11 new tournament winners this year and only one team managed to retain its title from last year. That shows what an important date on the bowls calendar the festival is. We're thrilled the event continues to go from strength to strength.

''The festival is only able to go ahead thanks to generous funding and support from Visit Great Yarmouth, plus sponsorship from Global Signs and Engraving, Mal Dixon, Wentworth Holidays, The Priory 1101, The Prom Hotel, Thompsons Food Service Ltd, Town and Country Counselling, Jack and Bowl and Collier Turf Care.

''Special thanks also to the Festival of Bowls committee which works tirelessly, not just during the four weeks of the festival, but also throughout the year.''

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

The event's annual charity raffle also raised money for a local foodbank.

The festival is expected to return next year with news on entry opening dates coming soon. The festival is always looking for new sponsors and, if your business is interested in being involved in the event, please contact the team via marketing@great-yarmouth.gov.uk

2024 Visit Great Yarmouth Festival of Bowls winners and prizes

Ladies Singles

Amanda Forder

Aylsham Bathroom Cup

£350

Men's Fours

Paul Ferris, Geoffrey Emery, Peter Knight, Neil Butler

Dick Eglington Cup

£100 each

Men's Pairs

Dominic and Leo Cook

Carlton Challenge Cup

£100 each

Men's Triples

Andrew Sayer, Richard Bunton, George Gibson

Cavendish Challenge Cup

£100 each

Ladies Pairs

Claire Turner, Josie Tyers

Joyland Challenge Cup

£100 each

Men's Singles

Ian Wones

Great Yarmouth Borough Council Challenge Trophy

£1,000

Ladies Triples

Jane Clifton, Sue Tolliday, Sandra Chapman

Triple Crown Challenge Cup

£100 each

Under 21s Open Singles

Stanley Turner

Raymond Harvey Driver Memorial Cup

£100

Mixed Pairs

Sandra Faircloth, Allan Jones

Mayor's Cup

£100 each

Mixed Triples

Jane Cockrill, David Lamb, Phil Ellis

Great Yarmouth Mercury Challenge Cup

£100 each

Over 60s Open Singles

Keith jackman

Olive Savoury Cup

£200

Over 60s Open Pairs

Mark Turner, Peter Boldero

Brewer's Challenge Cup

£200 each