Commonwealth champion Louis Ridout hailed the incredible social side of lawn bowls, as he encouraged anyone to give the sport a try during Bowls’ Big Weekend 2023.

The 33-year-old, who plays for Kings Bowling Club in Torquay, sealed glorious gold in the men’s triples last year alongside fellow Kings bowler Jamie Chestney and Nick Brett in the most dramatic of circumstances, fending off an Australian comeback to clinch the title.

Millions tuned in to the action at Leamington Spa last summer as England sealed their most successful haul at a Games on the greens, with another Kings bowler Natalie Chestney earning gold in the women’s triples with Sian Honnor and Jamie-Lea Winch.

Bowls’ Big Weekend is taking place between 26-29 May, with clubs across the country opening their doors to new players hoping to give the sport a go for the first time and now Ridout is hoping his exploits can inspire the next generation to take up the sport.

“The social element is absolutely brilliant,” said Ridout. “You go down to most clubs on an evening and people are bowling, having a drink; it’s just brilliant for making new friends and getting out of the house. 

“You don’t have to be fit to play it, follow any fitness regimes, bowls is so inclusive – anyone can give it a go. It’s an escape – a couple of hours not thinking about too much and just having a laugh.

“A lot of people watched the Commonwealth Games and saw the atmosphere. I speak to people now and they say they’ll give it a go when they retire – I say why when you retire? 

“I show them some clips and they are surprised by how young some bowlers are. It’s a lot more enjoyable and louder than people think it is. 

“Next week is the perfect opportunity to give it a go, find your local club and give it a go. All you need is your flat footwear, they’ll provide everything and hopefully you get hooked.”

The three-time Commonwealth medallist might be at the top of the sport, but Ridout emphasised that the sport can be played by anyone, at any level.

Over 500 clubs will open up their greens to novices across Bowls’ Big Weekend and the 33-year-old is hopeful that the momentum garnered by last summer’s Games can help propel the inclusive sport to new heights.

“When we were actually playing the game, it didn’t come to light how many people were actually watching but afterwards once you’ve gone back to normality, hearing how many people watched it who have never watched bowls before,” he added. 

“It can only be good for our sport, more coverage will hopefully increase participation.

“I hope it came across, the atmosphere generated by 2,500 people there. The noise they created is something I will ever go through in bowls again. 

“Both sets of supporters were clapping for Aussie and our bowls, that’s the beauty of bowls. It’s a competitive game but there is a friendly atmosphere and I just hope that came across on TV, it was magical.

“It’s such an inclusive sport, anyone can play it; any age, gender, experience, go and give it a go.”

To find your nearest participating club and sign up for a free session go to bowlsbigweekend.com