Who will be competing?

The event will attract players and officials from across the world. Qualifying events are currently underway and more qualifying nations will be announced in due course on the Bowls England website.

I live near Victoria Park, what impact will this have on me?

The event will take place at Victoria Park during 20 July and 1 August. We are working closely with Bowls England and Friends of Victoria Park to limit any disturbance for local residents and park users, whilst enabling investment into the local area.

We encourage local residents to experience the event and feel pride in an international tournament taking place on their doorstep, which will showcase the beauty of the local area to travelling supporters.

There will be fan zone in Victoria Park which will be free to enter, subject to any security arrangements that may be required. The rest of Victoria Park will remain open as usual.

The only areas that require a paid ticket to enter are the bowling greens area and pavilion.

What will this do for the local area?

Bowls England's vision is to deliver a world-class World Bowls Championship that celebrates the rich heritage of bowls across the world and drives the sport forwards by showcasing its brilliance in a modern, international setting.

Not only will this international competition introduce more people in the local area to the sport, it will also put Royal Leamington Spa and the wider district on the global stage, attracting people from around the world to the many independent businesses, restaurants, cafés, historic sites and award-winning parks and gardens, bringing an estimated £4m economic benefit to the area.

There will also be a Schools Outreach Programme as part of the championship, where 1200 primary school students across Warwickshire will be able to discover and take part in the sport.

Will the flags of each competing nation be flown?

Yes. Official national flags of competing countries will be displayed at the venue to celebrate the international representation of over 40 countries, preserving the prestige of the Championship.

Alongside World Bowls and event branding, these flags can be a positive reflection of the unifying spirit of sport, bringing competitors together under shared rules and mutual respect.

In line with standards seen across major international tournaments, including the Commonwealth Games, only the flags of officially competing nations and territories will be permitted within the venue and spectator areas, including the fan zone.

Will athletes be restricted from making politically sensitive comments?

World Bowls respects the right of players and officials at the 2027 World Bowls Championship to hold and peacefully express their personal views, including political views, subject to applicable laws, the conditions of play, policies, regulations and Codes of Conduct governing the Championship. 

Freedom of expression must be balanced with the rights of other participants and the need to maintain a safe, respectful, and non-discriminatory sporting environment. World Bowls’ expectation is that all participants, regardless of nationality, political opinion or personal belief, treat each other with dignity and respect.

What is World Bowls' approach to deciding whether any country should be prevented from participating?

As with other international sporting federations, World Bowls closely monitors guidance and requirements issued by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) together with other relevant governmental authorities and recognised international bodies.

Should any sanctions, legal restrictions, or directives be imposed by authorities that affect participation, World Bowls would of course comply with those requirements.

Can World Bowls require athletes to compete as neutral athletes where there are serious international concerns about a country's actions?

No, World Bowls is not a political organisation and is neither equipped nor mandated to make determinations on international conflicts or foreign policy matters.

Will peaceful protest be permitted in connection with the event?

Warwick District Council is supportive of a successful, inclusive, and safe event for all players, officials, spectators, and the wider community.

This includes supporting the right for visible peaceful protest. This position has been discussed with World Bowls, Bowls England, and UK Sport and the Council has strongly impressed on them the importance of permitting such protest outside the main event venue, so long as it doesn't interfere with the competition and the safety, security and welfare of players, officials, staff, volunteers and visiting public.

The Council will work via the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), and all stakeholders to ensure the event is delivered safely for everyone.

What security arrangements will there be?

Security arrangements are kept confidential to protect the safety and integrity of the event for all participants and visitors.

Will the Council be required to host delegates or ambassadors from competing nations?

Official guest lists and dignitary invitations have not been finalised or issued at this stage. We will work with Bowls England, World Bowls and other partners to determine these invites in due course.

It would be the decision of whoever is Chair of the Council at the time of the event to determine whether they felt it was appropriate to meet with any representatives.