Local residents are invited to discover a new sport, get active and celebrate the 2026 Commonwealth Games during a weekend of free activities (18th & 19th July) at Better Leisure Centres in the North East.

Better has partnered with Team England to host a Commonwealth Games-inspired Open Weekend, giving people of all ages and abilities the chance to try a wide range of sports and fitness activities. The event is open to both members and non-members, making it the perfect opportunity for families, friends and individuals to experience everything their local leisure centres have to offer.

Participating centres across the region will offer a programme of free or reduced priced activities, giving residents the opportunity to experience the spirit of the Commonwealth Games in their local community.

Fitness enthusiasts can take part in gym taster sessions, learning about the equipment, meeting the fitness team and receiving advice on achieving their health and wellbeing goals. A range of fitness classes including dance, strength and mind and body masterclasses will also be available throughout the weekend.

Newcastle Trampoline Park and Gym will mark its 25th anniversary during the open weekend, with a packed programme of free activities, challenges and celebrations including Team England-inspired Basketball Free Flow and Bike Sprint.

Those taking part in trampolining sessions will receive commemorative party bags, while visitors can test their fitness in gym challenges with prizes up for grabs. Guests will also have the chance to enter competitions to win their own birthday party at the venue or a gym membership.

Young people can take part in football coaching sessions with Westgate Juniors, enjoy a trampoline park scavenger hunt, and even meet a police officer for the day. Water safety sessions delivered in partnership with the local fire and rescue service will also be available.

East End Pool, the Walker Activity Dome as well as Gosforth and West Denton Leisure Centres will also offer a range of activities such as health checks, Family Fun Swim sessions, Aqua Splash activities, soft play, 5-a-side pitch bookings, football drop-in sessions, squash, badminton and table tennis.

At Blaydon Leisure Centre Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service will run water safety sessions for children and guests can put their endurance to the test in the Gym Challenge, competing in plank and bar hang challenges with times recorded on a leaderboard. The Blaydon Harriers will host an athletics taster carousel for youngsters, featuring running, jumping, throwing and conditioning activities. While younger children can take part in a football session led by Development Coach, Lewis Dickman, from Winlaton Community Football Club.

Additional activities include health checks, offering blood pressure, BMI and weight assessments and a women's weightlifting session.

A range of activities will be available at Heworth, Dunston and Birtley Leisure Centres as well as Gateshead International Stadium including family swims, £1 junior swims before 10am, SEN-inclusive swimming sessions, water safety sessions, swimming lessons, Aqua Splash, soft play activities, table tennis badminton, pickleball, basketball and indoor football.

Alison Westworth, GLL’s Partnership Manager for Newcastle, said: "We're delighted to be partnering with Team England to celebrate the 2026 Commonwealth Games by giving local people the chance to try something new for free. Whether you've always wanted to learn a new sport, get back into exercise or simply enjoy an active day out with family and friends, there's something for everyone across the weekend. We hope as many local residents as possible will come along, have a go and discover what's available at their local Better leisure centre."

For anyone wishing to visit, it’s recommended that sessions are booked in advance due to limited spaces. Members can secure their place via the Better UK app or speak to the centre team. Non-members can participate by creating a free account via the app or online at https://bookings.better.org.uk/register, then simply book an available open day activity, or select an Open Day General Access Session.