World Indoor Bowls Championships returns with crowds to Norfolk
Unlike last year spectators are back at Potters Resort to watch it all unfold
Last updated 7th Jan 2022
The World Indoor Bowls Championships gets underway today and returns to Hopton-on-Sea for the twenty third year in a row.
While the pandemic meant last year's championship had to be played behind closed doors and threatened this year's competition with the same fate, crowds are being allowed back in to watch it all.
Marc Jones, is the Director the Potters Resort, who's hosting the championships.
He can't wait for the competition to get started: "A couple of weeks ago I didn't think we were going to have crowds. We're delighted that they are back. We've got residential guests really looking forward to the start of the competition on Friday and day visitors are slowing booking up.
"We're not going to be completely full, so there are tickets available. But we are going to have a good audience for Bowls for the first time in a couple of years".
He also told us that pre-cautions are in place to keep people safe: "We asked everyone who's residential and also buying day tickets to make sure that they do take a lateral flow test on the morning that they are due to arrive.
"If it is positive, we ask them not to come and we'll give them a refund, no questions asked. But if its clear come along and please be sensible".
WATCH: Our reporter went along to Potters Resort to find out more
Greg Harlow, is the venues bowls ambassador and 7th best player in the world.
He told us its great this years competition isn't behind closed doors: "When there's a big crowd and you're playing a big game, the buzz of anticipation from the crowd is fantastic and it lifts all the players. Last year was crazy, this year we're hopefully going to be back to normal, a bit more".
He also went on to say the competition does a lot of good for local area: "This is the biggest tournament in the world, so to actually host it in Norfolk, in Potters is fantastic. It's something that all of our guests look forward to each year. Normally these three weeks sell out basically 12 months in advance. It's one of those where you've got to try and get in as quick as you can".
The competition goes on for the next couple of weeks.