The festival was first held in 1921

The Isle of Man's Crown Green Bowling Festival will celebrate its 90th anniversary in 2011.

Organisers predict that over 800 competitors will contest the events in June and September, which have a combined prize fund of £36,000.

Tournament director Steve Moore told BBC Isle of Man: "It's such a popular event and it attracts many of the game's top players."

The first of the two festivals will get underway on Monday 20 June.

The second will take place between the 19 and 23 September.

Moore continued: "The format will remain the same, with 10 separate contests spread over six greens around Douglas and Onchan.

"It is a very inclusive tournament and even if a bowler doesn't win a single match, it is structured in such a way that they can play bowls on four consecutive days."

If we get lucky with the weather we will have two fantastic bowling events Jack Lee

Isle of Man Crown Green Bowling Association chairman Jack Lee added: "There is no age limit and it is great to see people of all ages enjoying the sport.

"If we get lucky with the weather we will have two fantastic bowling events."

In 2010, Graeme Wilson and Natalie Hughes walked away with the June titles and Wayne Ditchfield and Janet Monk were victorious in September.

The tournament was first held in 1921 but did not take place for five years during the Second World War.

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