Pickleball festival attracts international players

More than 200 enthusiasts from as far as Australia and Hong Kong are expected to take part in the third instalment of a town's "fun and crazy" pickleball festival.

The event celebrating pickleball - a cross between tennis, table tennis and badminton - takes place this weekend in Swindon.

Swindon Pickleball Spring 2026 Festival organiser Shaun Jones said taking part is always a laugh and described the "easy to learn" sport as great for all abilities.

Enthusiast Nicky Borman from Wiltshire, has seen people of all ages "get hooked" and said it is the only game that leaves her constantly smiling and so, cannot wait for the festival to begin.

Played both indoors and outdoors on a badminton-sized court, it is a social sport where up to four players use solid paddles to hit a perforated polymer ball over a modified tennis net.

"What interested me most was the inclusivity of it. It gave me the impetus to get some exercise and get moving," Ms Borman said.

"We have people of all ages getting hooked.

"I'm looking forward to some good games, meeting new people and having some good fun on the weekend - it's the only game I play where I'm constantly smiling."

Pickleball player Mike Brockwell from Wiltshire said: "You'd never think someone would come from Australia or Ireland to come and play pickleball in Swindon, it's great.

"It's not just about the sport it's about the people you meet. Everyone's there to have fun."

Mr Jones said every year the festival sees participants coming in campervans from Scotland, California, Hong Kong and even as far as Australia.

"It's a bit crazy," he said.

"The sport is a leveller. It's easy to pick up.

"The whole pickleball community in Swindon have become friends."

The Swindon Pickleball Spring 2026 Festival takes place from 21-22 March.

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