Tickets for this year’s Bath Boules tournament go on sale next Thursday – but companies wishing to take part will have to be quick as last year they sold out in just six minutes.
The event raises big sums for Bath charities and this year promises to be even more of a party. Queen Square will be closed to traffic on two sides during this year’s event, which takes place between June 17-19, freeing up space for a street food market. 
Bath Boules is free to everyone to attend. For those wishing to play, tickets are available for a minimum of three players per team and are sold via the website www.bathboules.com on a first-come, first-served basis. They will be available from midday on March 10.
Last year 168 teams competed in an event known to be slightly competitive but wholly convivial. In total more than 200 companies were involved.
Greg Ingham, chief executive of organisers MediaClash, said: “Every year the Bath BoulesFest just gets better and better, as so many Bath people and organisations get involved.
“Weekend tickets just flew last time, like a mini-Glasto. All gone in six minutes was ridiculous – in a good way.”
Demand was so high last year that play was opened up on the Friday. This year, Le Bunk-Off Friday – as it was christened – is also expected to be a complete sell-out. One way companies can guarantee a ticket is to become a Little Boules Sponsor.
Headline sponsor, Bath-headquartered law firm Withy King, secured a long-term deal last year and it is supported by Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Big Boules Sponsors include Badger Ales, Hall & Woodhouse, Bath Life, Redwood Marketing, Champagne Jacquart with Novia as the Friday night charity party sponsor.
The Little Boules Sponsors are Minuteman Press, law firm Thrings, CIL Management Consultants, Synergy, Bonhams, Bath Building Society, Kersfield, Stone King, St John’s Chambers, Mogers Drewett, Le Bistrot Pierre, Reside, Eye-Tech IT, Chippenham Golf Centre and The Apartment Company.
Last year Bath Boules raised £43,900 for local charities such as Julian House, Dorothy House and Off the Record – a total aided by a one-off donation of £15,000. Organisers are hoping to beat the underlying figure of £28,900 which itself was a record for the event.
For sponsorship, contact Steph Dodd stephanie.dodd@mediaclash.co.uk or Steve Hawkins steve.hawkins@mediaclash.co.uk on 01225 475800
