A Real Tennis Spectacle

Come watch and play real (royal) tennis, the authentic game played from medieval times to the Ballarat goldfields to the present. A day showcasing the historic sport of real tennis which is still played today at the Ballarat Tennis Club. The event will feature costumed exhibition matches of the 800-year-old game from which all other racquet sports are derived - with players representing historical figures from the 1200s to the 2000s. Tennis played in a walled court first came to Ballarat in the 1860s as Europeans flocked to the gold rush and brought their pastimes with them. There will be opportunities for audience members to get on the court and have a go themselves, plus demonstrations of the age-old traditions of repairing wooden racquets and the making of hand-stitched balls. Special historic guests will mingle with visitors in the court's unique Gallery areas - openings in the walls of the court which have a dual purpose of giving spectators a great view of the match, while also being part of the game's intricate scoring system. Here is your chance to connect to this great tradition of entertainment in a game that combines skill, athleticism, and complex tactics! Tickets are free, but seats are limited, so get in early to nab a ticket to one of the sessions before they sell out.