Organisers of Bath Boules today unveiled bold changes to the event next year to widen its appeal after revealing that this year it raised a record £18,467.
Law firm Withy King, which has two offices in Bath, was also confirmed as headline sponsor for the second year running.
Bath Boules takes place in the city’s iconic Queen Square each June with 128 teams competing over one weekend in what organisers describe as a “slightly competitive but wholly convivial” manner. 
More than £150,000 has been raised by the event since it started through sponsorship from local and national businesses.
Donations from money raised at this year’s Bath Boules were made at a breakfast reception held at Hall & Woodhouse this morning to local charities Dorothy House, On the Record, Carer’s Centre, Mind Bath and the Young Carer’s Development Trust. A second round of donations will be made in the spring.
Next year’s event will be over the weekend of June 20-21 with organisers MediaClash, the Bath-based publishing firm behind titles such as Bath Life, outlining some bold changes, including the temporary closure of Queen Square.
MediaClash chief executive Greg Ingham said: “We’re aiming to have even more of a party-in-the-city feel to the Boules without changing its unique vibe.
“So the plan is to work with Bath & North East Somerset Council to close the east and south side of Queen Square to allow greater access to the event. These roads will have food stalls and family-focused activities.
“And we’re broadening the opening event on Friday evening so many more can come. We’ve chosen the summer solstice weekend – and the one before Glasto – so fingers crossed we will once more have great weather.”
The temporary closure is part of the £100,000 Queen Square Improvement Project, funded by the council, which will add gates to the square’s east and west sides and improve its benches and lawns. Cllr David Dixon spoke at this morning’s event about the work, which started today and is scheduled to end in December.
Withy King managing partner Graham Street said: “Having been enthusiastic participants in Bath Boules for many years, Withy King were delighted to sponsor the event this year – and now to renew for next year. It’s a memorable weekend that does so much for Bath, Bath businesses and of course for Bath charities.”
Team tickets for the Boules will be sold via the Bath Boules website on a first-come, first-served basis. Last time they sold out in 20 minutes.
