Snapped: Bath Boules 2015

Queen Square was once again home to the much loved Bath Boules tournament from the 19-21st of June. The French themed event is always a highlight in the Bath calendar, and many local businesses and organisations were there to compete and enjoy the market. Total Guide to Bath were there to show our support!

The Bath Boules Tournament is a non-profit organisation that raises money for local charities. The boules tournament takes place on Queen Square with 128 teams competing over a weekend.

Each team must have a minimum of three players. If you want to have more than three, different players are allowed to swap in between games, but the same three players must play in any one game. 

Teams should bring their own boules if they have them, if not, sets will be available to buy at the event.

The whole event is non-profit, with funds being raised for charity through the on-site bar and restaurant. As a result anyone bringing their own food or drink into the event will be asked to pay a sizable "corkage' donation.

For any further information on how to take part or sponsor this fantastic event, click here.

History of the Tournament

Way back in 1990 Philip Addis of Great Western Wine and Jean Pierre Augé of Le Beaujolais restaurant were looking for a way to entertain their ever-growing band of customers, when they hit upon the idea of using the gravel paths of Queen Square for an inter-restaurant Boules tournament.

For the first two years just a few teams took part and lunch was served in the Le Beaujolais restaurant. However, the food and wines were so great it was a struggle to get people back into the Square to play after lunch!

In year three, a marquee was erected and a café bar was established in the Square. This added to the unique atmosphere and the event grew rapidly – not just among the local restaurant community but also local businesses who clamoured for an opportunity to take part. A charity element was also introduced and teams were asked to pay to play, the “profits” going to Bath Boules Charitable trust. The trust disperses monies to local charities, most recently £10000 to Julian House night shelter.

In 1995 the tournament was expanded to cover the whole weekend to accommodate the 64 teams of local individuals and businesses, and 64 restaurants wanting to play. That has remained the format ever since, although local businesses and teams of friends have little by little replaced the restaurants as the cost of participation has increased. Logistically it is not possible to increase the number of teams taking part each day and sadly, this has meant turning away large numbers of people who really want to play.

Traditionally a large number of French have taken part, many of whom work in the city’s lively restaurant scene, and a celebrity presence also helps the carnival atmosphere. Bathonian Miles Kington took part for many years and many other local celebrities have been in teams, including Joanna Lumley, Michael Palin, Terry H Jones and Peter Gabriel. Derek Fowlds has also regularly entered teams and Sylvia Simms even appeared in a team one year.