Thousands set for 'fantastic' return to racing as Festival of Swimming begins

An exciting and long-awaited return to racing is on the horizon for thousands of swimmers across the country as they prepare to race in the inaugural Festival of Swimming.

The events will kick off in England this weekend and will see many young swimmers returning to the competition environment once again.

Each of the Swim England regions is hosting individual events, some of which will see more than 1,000 swimmers getting behind the blocks.

The majority of meets will take place across two weekends – 24-25 July and 31 July-1 August.

All Swim England regions have events scheduled on one or both of those weekends, with the East region also planning a meet at the London Aquatics Centre across the 7 and 8 August.

George Wood, sport development director at Swim England, gave a message of thanks and good luck to all of those involved in making the events happen.

‘Thank you and good luck’

“I am so excited about the Festival of Swimming that is starting this weekend,” he said.

“I wanted to say a massive thank you to the Swim England regions and all the people who have put loads of work into making this happen.

“The organisers and officials who are going to be making it work on the day, clubs and coaches for getting the swimmers ready, but most of all, what I wanted to say is that it’s fantastic to see the swimmers back in the water.

“I want to wish each and everyone one of you massive good luck, enjoy it and go well.”