Llandrindod Wells Bowling Club has been chosen to host the prestigious 2026 European Bowls Championships – the first time the international event will be staged in Wales.

The eight-day tournament, running from September 19-26, will bring some of Europe’s finest bowlers to Mid Wales, with men’s and women’s singles, pairs, triples and fours competitions, plus para men’s pairs and VI mixed pairs all on the schedule.

Held under the banner of Bowls Europe, the event is not only a World Bowls Series ranking competition, but also the European qualifier for the 2027 World Championships at Royal Leamington Spa.

Announcing the news, Bowls Europe chairman Bob Christie MBE said: “After the success of the European Bowls Championships in Ayr, Scotland, last September, we are delighted that Llandrindod Wells BC has agreed to host next year's event. We are sure more countries will compete as it gives their national champions a great opportunity of being crowned European champions.

“We look forward to working with Llandrindod Wells BC to make this an exciting tournament of high-class bowling from players across the region which comes shortly after the 2026 Commonwealth Games when the bowls world will be buzzing following the euphoria of that spectacle of sport.”

The event will mark a major milestone for Llandrindod Wells BC, which boasts three high-quality greens and a strong track record of staging top-level fixtures – but nothing on this international scale since hosting the Atlantic Rim Championships in 1997.

Club secretary Sam Roff said: “The club is delighted to be hosting such a prestigious event, and we thank Bowls Europe for approaching Llandrindod Wells as a host venue. This will be the first time it has been held in Wales and I’m sure competing countries can certainly look forward to visiting the club set in the idyllic rock park in the heart of Mid Wales.

“The event will also be a qualifier for the 2027 World Championships which will mean countries will also be fighting for valuable ranking points which should add to the spectacle. The involvement of a combined men’s, women’s and para event will ensure full inclusivity all in one place.”

Club president Eddie Williams, who has been involved with Bowls Europe since its early days, added: “The club has been fortunate enough to host many Home International events and national championships but hasn’t hosted anything of this statue since the Atlantic Rim in 1997. The club recently hosted the British Bowls Championships and International Series and all at the club will be invested in showing what a great club facilities and bowling greens we have and look forward to the championships next September.”

The logistical side of the championships will be supported by Sporting Highlights, who are working closely with the organising committee.

Steve Watson, of Sporting Highlights, said: “Sporting Highlights are very honoured to be working alongside the Bowls Europe Organisation committee to provide suitable and various types accommodation in Llandrindod Wells and the surrounding local area to fit every team’s needs and requirements during the European Championships 2026.”

The event follows on from the success of the 2024 Championships in Ayr, Scotland, where para competitions were included for the first time.

For more information, please visit the website: www.bowlseurope.com

To register your accommodation requests, please email: [email protected]