Squash57 Festival Series 2026: Dates, Locations, and How to Get Involved as a New or Returning Player
Last updated: May 23, 2026
Quick Answer: The Squash57 Festival Series 2026 is a structured series of community-focused racket sports events open to players of all skill levels, from complete beginners to seasoned competitors. Events run throughout the year at venues across the UK and internationally, with monthly themes designed to build a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. Registration is straightforward, entry costs are modest, and no prior squash57 experience is required to join.
Key Takeaways
- Squash57 (formerly racketball) is played on a standard squash court with a larger, bouncier ball and a shorter racket — making it easier to pick up than traditional squash.
- The 2026 Festival Series runs monthly from January through November, with themed events like “For Racquet Sport Lovers” designed to attract crossover players.
- Entry fees are typically £15–£35 per event (estimates based on comparable UK racket sport festival formats), with discounts often available for juniors and first-timers.
- No minimum skill level is required — the festival format groups players by ability on the day.
- You need a Squash57-approved racket, appropriate footwear, and a valid sports membership at most venues.
- Age categories generally cover juniors (under 18), adults, and seniors (50+), with some events adding masters divisions.
- Registration is done online through England Squash or the hosting venue’s portal — no in-person sign-up queues.
- Common beginner mistakes include using a traditional squash racket, misunderstanding the scoring system, and skipping a warm-up.
- The festival series is all in-person — there are no online qualifying rounds.
- Crossover players from pickleball, padel, and tennis often adapt quickly to Squash57 because of shared racket sport fundamentals.
What Exactly Is the Squash57 Festival Series and How Is It Different from Regular Squash?
Squash57 is a distinct racket sport played on a standard squash court, but with a larger, softer ball (57mm in diameter — hence the name) and a slightly shorter, wider racket. The Festival Series is an organised calendar of community events built around this format, prioritising participation and fun over elite competition.
Here’s what sets it apart from traditional squash:
| Feature | Squash57 | Traditional Squash |
|---|---|---|
| Ball size | 57mm (larger, bouncier) | 40–44mm (smaller, faster) |
| Racket | Shorter, wider head | Standard squash racket |
| Court | Standard squash court | Standard squash court |
| Pace | Slower, more rallies | Faster, more demanding |
| Beginner accessibility | High | Moderate to low |
| Festival format | Yes (2026 series) | Occasional |
The Festival Series adds a layer of community programming on top of the sport itself. Monthly themes — like “For Racquet Sport Lovers” — actively invite players from tennis, pickleball, padel, and badminton to try Squash57 without feeling out of place. Think of it as a gateway event rather than a traditional tournament.
“The festival format exists specifically to lower the barrier to entry. You don’t need to be a squash player to show up and have a great time.”
Where Are All the Locations for the 2026 Festival Series Happening?
The 2026 Festival Series spans venues across England, Scotland, and Wales, with select international events in Ireland and parts of Europe. Specific confirmed venues are announced on a rolling basis through England Squash’s official channels and regional squash associations.
Typical venue types include:
- Leisure centres with dedicated squash courts
- University sports facilities
- Private racket sport clubs
- Multi-sport hubs hosting crossover racket sport days
Because venue announcements roll out monthly, the best approach is to check the England Squash website or your regional squash association’s event calendar at the start of each month. Some venues also promote events through local racket sports communities — similar to how online pickleball communities connect players around the world.
Practical tip: If no event is listed near you, contact your local squash club directly. Many clubs are actively seeking to host a 2026 Festival Series event and may have a date pending confirmation.
How Much Does It Cost to Participate in the Squash57 Festival Series?
Entry fees for festival-style squash events in the UK typically range from £15 to £35 per player per event, based on comparable formats run by England Squash and regional associations. Some venues charge separately for court hire if you want warm-up time before the event.
Cost breakdown to expect:
- Event entry fee: £15–£35 (estimate; verify with your specific event listing)
- Equipment hire (if needed): £5–£10 for a racket loan at most venues
- Membership requirement: Some venues require a valid England Squash membership (around £25/year for adults as of recent pricing)
- Refreshments/social: Often included or subsidised at festival events
Choose this if… you’re budget-conscious: the festival format is one of the most affordable ways to play competitive racket sports in a structured environment. Many events also offer discounted or free entry for juniors and first-time participants — always check the event listing for early-bird pricing.
What Skill Level Do I Need to Join — Can Beginners Really Participate?
No minimum skill level is required for the Squash57 Festival Series 2026. The festival format is explicitly designed to welcome complete beginners alongside returning players, grouping participants by ability on the day rather than requiring pre-qualification.
If you can hold a racket and move around a court, you’re ready to enter. The slower, bouncier ball gives beginners more time to react, which means longer rallies and a more enjoyable first experience compared to traditional squash. Players who already have a background in any racket sport — tennis, pickleball, padel, or badminton — will find the transition especially smooth.
Beginner-friendly features of the festival format:
- Ability grouping on arrival (no pre-seeding required)
- Shorter match formats to keep energy levels manageable
- Coaching demonstrations at many events
- A social atmosphere that prioritises enjoyment over results
This mirrors the inclusive approach seen across the broader racket sports community, where welcoming new players is treated as a priority rather than an afterthought.
How Is Scoring Different in Squash57 Compared to Traditional Squash?
Squash57 uses point-a-rally (PAR) scoring, the same system used in modern squash. Every rally produces a point regardless of who served. Matches are typically played to 11 points per game, with a player needing to win by 2 clear points if the score reaches 10–10.
Key scoring rules:
- Best of 3 or best of 5 games depending on the event format
- PAR scoring: every rally = 1 point
- Win by 2 if tied at 10–10 (e.g., 12–10, 13–11)
- Service alternates after each game, not after each point
Common scoring mistake: New players sometimes expect to only score points on their own serve (as in traditional volleyball-style scoring). In Squash57, that’s not the case — you can win a point even when your opponent is serving. Understanding this early makes the game feel much more dynamic.
What Equipment Do I Need to Compete in the Squash57 Festival Series?
You need three things: a Squash57-approved racket, non-marking court shoes, and appropriate athletic wear. That’s it for the basics.
Equipment checklist:
- ✅ Squash57 racket — wider head and shorter shaft than a standard squash racket; do not use a regular squash racket as it will affect your game significantly
- ✅ Non-marking court shoes — gum-soled indoor shoes are mandatory on squash courts
- ✅ Athletic clothing — no specific kit required; comfortable sportswear works fine
- ✅ Eye protection — strongly recommended, and mandatory at some venues for juniors
- ✅ Water bottle — courts get warm quickly
Optional but useful:
- Grip tape or overgrip for better racket control
- A spare shirt (matches can be sweaty business)
If you’re new to racket sports gear in general, the same principles that apply to choosing the right equipment for safe play carry over well — fit, comfort, and court-appropriate footwear matter most.
Most festival venues offer racket hire for a small fee, so don’t let missing equipment stop you from registering.
Are There Age Categories or Divisions in the Tournament?
Yes. Most Squash57 Festival Series events include multiple divisions to keep competition fair and enjoyable. Standard age categories are:
- Juniors: Under 18 (often split into U14 and U18)
- Adults: 18–49
- Seniors/Masters: 50+ (some events split into 50+ and 60+)
Ability divisions within each age group are common, typically labelled as beginner, intermediate, and open. This means a 55-year-old picking up Squash57 for the first time won’t be matched against a seasoned club player — they’ll play within their own group.
This age-inclusive structure reflects a broader trend in racket sports, where events are increasingly designed to appeal to players across generations.
How Do I Register as a First-Time Player for the Festival Series?
Registration for the Squash57 Festival Series 2026 is done online. The process takes about 10 minutes and doesn’t require any prior competitive history.
Step-by-step registration process:
- Find your event — Visit the England Squash website or your regional squash association’s calendar to find a festival near you.
- Create or log in to your account — England Squash uses an online portal for event registration. First-timers will need to create a free account.
- Select your event and division — Choose the date, location, and appropriate age/ability category.
- Pay the entry fee — Most events accept card payment online at the time of registration.
- Receive confirmation — You’ll get an email with event details, venue address, arrival time, and any equipment notes.
- Show up ready — Arrive 15–20 minutes early to check in, collect your draw sheet, and warm up.
Edge case: If an event is full, add yourself to the waiting list. Festival events often have last-minute withdrawals, and waiting list spots frequently open up in the week before the event.
What Are Common Mistakes New Squash57 Players Make?
The most common mistakes new players make are using the wrong racket, skipping a warm-up, and misreading the scoring system. Each of these is easy to fix once you know about it.
Top mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Using a standard squash racket — The wider head of a Squash57 racket is designed for the larger ball. A squash racket will feel wrong and reduce your control.
- Not warming up — Squash57 is physically demanding despite its slower pace. A proper warm-up routine reduces injury risk significantly.
- Playing too close to the back wall — The bouncier ball comes off the back wall more than a squash ball. New players often get trapped.
- Ignoring the T — Returning to the centre of the court (the T) after each shot is fundamental to all squash-format sports.
- Overswinging — The larger ball doesn’t need as much power. Controlled, accurate shots beat hard, wild ones every time.
What Kind of Training Should I Do to Prepare for the Festival Series?
Focus on three areas: court movement, basic shot technique, and cardiovascular fitness. You don’t need months of preparation — even two to three weeks of targeted practice makes a noticeable difference.
Preparation plan for new players:
- Ghosting drills — Move to each corner of the court and back to the T without a ball. This builds the movement patterns specific to squash-format sports.
- Solo hitting — Practise driving the ball to the back corners and letting it come back off the wall. Consistency matters more than power.
- Fitness base — Short, sharp interval training (think 30 seconds on, 30 seconds off) mirrors the stop-start nature of squash rallies better than steady-state cardio.
- Crossover drills — If you come from pickleball or tennis, agility and coordination drills transfer well to squash court movement.
For returning players: Focus on match play and tactical awareness. Review your shot selection under pressure — festival formats often produce tight, scrappy matches where consistency wins over flair.
Are There Online Qualifying Rounds or Is It All In-Person?
The Squash57 Festival Series 2026 is entirely in-person. There are no online qualifying rounds, virtual heats, or ranked leaderboards that require prior performance to enter. Every event is a standalone festival where players register, show up, and compete on the day.
This is a deliberate design choice. The festival model prioritises community and accessibility over elite pathway structures. You don’t need a ranking, a club affiliation, or a previous result to participate.
What Health or Fitness Requirements Are There for Participants?
There are no formal fitness tests or medical certificates required for most Squash57 Festival Series events. However, squash-format sports are moderately intense, involving short bursts of high-intensity movement, so basic cardiovascular fitness is helpful.
Practical health guidance:
- If you’re over 40 and haven’t exercised regularly in the past six months, a quick check-in with your GP before playing is sensible — not mandatory, but worth doing.
- Players with joint issues should wear appropriate support (knee sleeves, ankle braces) and consider starting with shorter match formats.
- The festival format’s shorter matches and rest periods between games make it more manageable than a full club league match.
- Stay hydrated — courts are warm, and rallies in Squash57 tend to be longer than in traditional squash.
The physical benefits of regular racket sport play are well-documented across multiple formats, and Squash57’s accessible pace makes it a solid option for adults returning to sport after a break.
FAQ
Q: Do I need to be a member of a squash club to enter? A: No. Most festival events are open to non-members, though some venues may charge a slightly higher entry fee for non-members. An England Squash membership (or equivalent regional body) is sometimes required — check your specific event listing.
Q: Can I enter with a partner for doubles? A: Some festival events include doubles formats, but the standard format is singles. Check the event description when registering.
Q: Is Squash57 the same as racketball? A: Yes. Squash57 was rebranded from “racketball” by World Squash in 2016 to give the sport a clearer international identity. The gameplay is identical.
Q: How long does a festival event typically last? A: Most events run for three to five hours, including check-in, warm-up, group matches, and knockout rounds. Plan for a half-day commitment.
Q: Can children participate in the Squash57 Festival Series? A: Yes, junior categories (typically U14 and U18) are included at most events. Some events are specifically family-oriented, making it a great activity for families looking to play sport together.
Q: What if I’ve never played squash or Squash57 before? A: You’re welcome. The beginner division exists precisely for first-timers. Many festival events also offer a short introductory session before the competition begins.
Q: Is there a dress code? A: No formal dress code beyond appropriate sportswear and non-marking court shoes. Some events have a team or themed element tied to the monthly theme — check the event details.
Q: Can I watch without playing? A: Yes. Festival events are generally open to spectators, and the social atmosphere encourages supporters to come along.
Q: What happens if I’m placed in the wrong ability group? A: Event organisers can usually adjust groupings on the day if there’s a clear mismatch. Speak to the event coordinator at check-in.
Q: Are there prizes? A: Most festival events offer modest prizes (medals, vouchers, or small trophies) for division winners, but the emphasis is firmly on participation rather than prizes.
Conclusion: Your Next Steps for the Squash57 Festival Series 2026
The Squash57 Festival Series 2026 is one of the most accessible entry points into competitive racket sports available right now. Whether you’re a complete beginner, a returning player, or a crossover athlete from tennis, pickleball, or padel, there’s a division and a date that fits your schedule and ability.
Here’s what to do this week:
- Find your nearest event on the England Squash website or your regional association’s calendar.
- Register online — don’t wait, as popular events fill up quickly.
- Sort your equipment — borrow or hire a Squash57 racket if you don’t have one yet, and make sure your court shoes are non-marking.
- Do a few sessions of solo hitting or ghosting drills to get comfortable on court before your event.
- Connect with other players — local squash clubs, online racket sports forums, and community groups are great places to find hitting partners before the festival.
The racket sports community is at its best when it’s open, encouraging, and fun. The Squash57 Festival Series is built on exactly that idea — and 2026 is a great year to be part of it. 🎾
Meta Title: Squash57 Festival Series 2026: Dates, Locations & How to Join
Meta Description: Discover the Squash57 Festival Series 2026 — event dates, UK locations, entry costs, skill levels, and step-by-step registration tips for new and returning players.
