A street table tennis festival will be bouncing into Blackpool next week, as part of a nationwide outdoor table tennis project.



Members of the public are encouraged to get involved and attend the launch event of Ping!, a free street ping pong festival, on Wednesday 14 June in St John’s Square from 10am.

Blackpool has been selected to be a flagship location for Ping!, which is taking place in 24 towns and cities across England this summer.

Organised by Sport Blackpool in partnership with Table Tennis England, the six week programme will start on Wednesday with semi-permanent and fixed tennis tables in iconic locations including the Winter Gardens and the Comedy Carpet.

Everyone is welcome to attend on the day – all people have to do is grab a bat and ball from the side of the table and get playing. The tables will be accessible for people with disabilities and wheelchair users.

You don't need to be physically fit to play, you just need to turn up to St John’s Square and be prepared to have some fun!

Entertaining the crowds will be Britain’s Got Talent finalist Thomas Bounce, who will be attempting to juggle table tennis bats.

Players will be able to test their skills against the table tennis robot and watch the professionals as current England player Karina LeFevre takes on former Olympian Andrea Holt.

Pupils from a local school will be joining in the fun as they take part in activities and challenges set throughout the day.

The aim of the festival is to get the nation active and enjoying playing ping pong, and to build a community of participants who want to continue playing table tennis long after the festival is over.

Table tennis is a great way to burn some calories and get fit, and at the same time increase your concentration and alertness, improve hand-eye co-ordination, and even make new friends.

John Blackledge, Director of Community and Environmental Services at Blackpool Council, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming the Ping! festival to Blackpool for the first time. It’s fantastic that Blackpool is joining in with many other towns and cities across England and offering free to use equipment for people to enjoy some outdoor summer fun.

“We are hoping to see as many people as possible enjoy themselves and get involved with a full day of ping pong and activities in the town centre.

“Join us outside the Winter Gardens in St John’s Square from10am on Wednesday, pick up a bat and get involved.”

Ping! is funded by Sport England and managed and delivered by Table Tennis England in partnership with local authorities and a wide range of creative and cultural organisations.

Last year, more than 750 tables were placed in public places of 21 towns and cities, with 1.8million visits to the tables over the summer.

This year, National Table Tennis Day will take place on Wednesday 12 July. Table Tennis England are aiming to get one million people playing table tennis on the day. See www.tabletennisengland.co.uk for more information.

To find your nearest Ping! table, visit www.pingengland.co.uk.