The Winter Garden in Eastbourne will be playing host to the 2017 Summer Meeting for the second time, the event having moved from its former home in Brighton.

The Summer Meeting will incorporate Weekend Challenges and One Day Events, the Mercian Travel Seniors Congress, the Under 26 Pairs, and the Really Easy Congress. All events are Level 4 except for the Really Easy Congress, which is Level 2.

Please enter through the members area of the website or by email to comps@ebu.co.uk - otherwise please enter at the venue as entries can be taken on the day.

Weekend Challenge Events

These are the flagship events of the Summer Meeting, ideal for those looking for an intensive long weekend of bridge. They take place across three days, with enhanced Green Points available to reflect the prestigious nature of the competition. If you are looking for an intensive weekend of quality bridge, these are the events for you.

Both weekend challenge events are part of the Championship Series, in which points can be earned towards the Player of the Year Championship.

More details on Weekend Challenge events.

One Day Events

For those who are only able to come to Eastbourne for a short period of time, or who simply prefer shorter competitions, there are the One Day Events.

These take place almost every day, and include pairs and teams events, and one- and two-session competitions. They offer the excellent bridge one would expect at the Summer Meeting, but with greater flexibility than the Weekend Challenges.

They give the opportunity to play as little or as much as you choose. Combine playing and sightseeing. Play with different partners. Just come for the day, or commute from home. Whatever your reasons, the One Day Events have something to suit you.

Most of the weekday evening events have an early bird start for those who would like to finish sooner - this can make travel easier for those who are 'commuting'. Alternatively you can start at the regular time and have longer dinner break. The choice is yours.

The One Day Events include the GCH Fox Championship Pairs for the Potters Resort Trophy on Tuesday evening.

More details on One Day Events.

Seniors Congress

To be eligible for a Seniors event, players must have their 60th birthday or beyond during the calendar year (January-December) of the event. For example, a player can play in a Seniors event at the age of 59 provided his/her 60th birthday falls later that year.

Under 26 Pairs

Please note that the name of the competition has changed to bring it in line with international nomenclature. The eligibility criteria has also changed - it is now based on the international junior criteria, and not the date of the event (see below).

The Under 26 Pairs takes place on Tuesday afternoon. Players must not have reached their 25th birthday by 31st Dec 2016. All nationalities of juniors are welcome.

The winners of the U26 pairs will, if both players are England-eligible, each be offered a place on an England junior team during the following 12 months.

All Under-26s are eligible for half-price entry to any EBU event. England junior squad members may be eligible for free entry to the weekend events at the Summer Meeting. Please see here for more details.

The Really Easy Summer Congress

The Really Easy Summer Congress offers a range of competitions and lessons for those who have recently to learn the game, or who have only just started playing more competitively. All players should be below the rank of Master, and have an NGS rating lower than Jack. Previous entrants to the Really Easy Congress should look to play in the main congress events.

For more information please see the event webpage

Combined golf and bridge competition

In 2016 we held a combined golf and bridge competition. There are plans to hold this competition again in 2017, however this is still to be finalised. More information will be posted here when known.

Other events

More details of additional events will be added here when available.

Most mornings there is a seminar with an expert (or experts) discussing the hands from the previous day. Previous speakers have included Andrew Robson, Zia Mahmood, David Gold and other greats of the international game. The list of speakers will be announced in the weeks before the congress.

Most evening there is a late-night speedball. Fun, free, fast-paced action for the insomniacs and bridge addicts, starting at 11:30pm.