This is the first time the event will be held on English soil in its current, dual gender format, and World Bowls is looking forward to working with Bowls England, UK Sport and Warwick District Council to showcase world-class bowls.

Staged every four years featuring the world’s best men, women and para bowlers, the 2027 World Championships will see 13 days of competition, 14 events and over 24 nations compete in July 2027.

The event is the pinnacle of a sport that, across England is enjoyed by over 300,000 participants and provides opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to be active and connected to their local communities.

Building on the legacy of the bowls’ competition from the spectacular 2022 Commonwealth Games, this World Championships will deliver an unforgettable experience for all involved, including players, spectators, officials and volunteers. The event will push the boundaries in the way the sport is presented and create a festival atmosphere for all involved.

Alongside bowls’ inclusion in the Commonwealth Games, the World Championships is the premium event on the World Bowls calendar, and the event provides an opportunity to celebrate the rich heritage of bowls across the world, whilst driving the sport forward by showcasing its brilliance in a modern, international context. It will be a Platinum Event on the World Bowls Series ranking calendar.

President of World Bowls, Brett O’Riley, sees this as a turning point for the sport:

“The 2027 World Championships is the next evolution of our sport and having the event in Royal Leamington Spa in England gives us an opportunity to showcase its new developments. I'm really excited about the growth we're seeing, and the new countries that are getting involved.

I'm expecting this will be probably our most competitive World Championship ever. We also expect this to be the most broadcast World Championships in our history across multiple platforms, enabling supporters around the world to follow the players from their countries".

Jon Cockcroft, Chief Executive, Bowls England, enthused:

“We see hosting the 2027 World Bowls Championships as an opportunity to inject impetus in the work we’re doing to grow bowls participation and help more people to become active. By showcasing our international bowlers, the values of the sport and the inspiring community activity within the game, it will change perceptions, break down barriers and inspire many of these people to have a go at our sport.”

Working in partnership with World Bowls, UK Sport and Warwick District Council, Bowls England aims for the event to evoke pride amongst existing bowls lovers, inspire new participants and drive social and economic impact into the local community and beyond.

With thousands expected from across the globe to descend on Victoria Park over the course of the event, its value to the local area will be significant, with an estimated economic benefit of approximately £4.8m. With the support of Warwick District Council, Bowls England secured £250,000 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, alongside funding from The National Lottery, to make staging the event possible.

Councillor Ella Billiald, Portfolio Holder for Arts, Culture and Economy at Warwick District Council is excited for what the event will provide for the local area:

“Hosting this event is something that Royal Leamington Spa will be really proud of. It will provide a real boost to the local economy, supporting those in retail and those particularly in the hospitality sector. Leamington will be showcased to the world and it's something that the whole community can become part of and feel proud of our district.”

Esther Britten, Head of Events and External Affairs at UK Sport, said:

“We are delighted that the World Bowls Championships will return to the UK in 2027. The support of The National Lottery has been instrumental in bringing this event back to the UK as part of our commitment to ensure live sporting events take place in every corner of the country.”