Pickleball festival serves up a festive sporting weekend in Okehampton

The Manor Resort will host XMAS SPORTiVAL on Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6, with organisers PicklePals believing the event will be Mid Devon’s first dedicated pickleball festival.

The weekend will bring players from across the UK together for two days of sport, socialising and festive fun, but those wishing to attend will have to be quick, as around 60 per cent of places have already been booked.

The programme will include the PicklePals Scramble, pickleball coaching and a Rally21 pickleball tournament, alongside opportunities to try other activities including padel, Kubb and ice curling. Visitors can also enjoy Christmas-themed activities and browse the Vendor Village, which will feature local businesses, makers and festive craft stalls.

Pickleball, a sport combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, has been growing in popularity across the UK. Okehampton Pickleball Club is helping introduce more people to the game locally through its regular sessions, while SPORTiVAL aims to bring players together for a larger festival experience in the heart of Devon.

The event is designed to appeal to more than just competitive players. Participants can attend for one or both days, either as day visitors or by staying at The Manor Resort, while non-playing partners, friends and family are also welcome.

Organisers are inviting local traders, makers and Christmas craft stallholders to take part in the Vendor Village for one or both days, offering an opportunity to showcase their products to visitors from across the region and further afield.

Alongside the sporting programme, SPORTiVAL will raise funds and awareness for PinkPong, the charity initiative founded in 2010 by Devon sports coach, pickleball enthusiast and fundraiser Liz May.

Liz established PinkPong after a close friend and fellow sports player was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 36. Since then, the initiative has raised more than £140,000 for cancer-related and other charitable causes, using sport and community events to bring people together while supporting worthwhile projects. Its fundraising has included table tennis challenges, community events and, more recently, pickleball activities.

Liz’s contribution to sport and fundraising has also been recognised with the Devon Sports Award for Outstanding Contribution to Sport. She continues to support Cancer Research UK and other causes through events across the South West. Fundraising activities will take place throughout the weekend, with players, spectators, exhibitors and other visitors encouraged to get involved and help support the initiative.

Whether taking part in a tournament, trying a new sport, browsing the festive stalls or simply enjoying the atmosphere, visitors will have the chance to contribute to a cause that has raised substantial sums through community participation.

With its combination of sport, Christmas activities and fundraising, XMAS SPORTiVAL aims to offer something for experienced players and newcomers alike, while bringing visitors to Okehampton for a festive weekend.

EVENT DETAILS

• What: XMAS SPORTiVAL, organised by PicklePals, with fundraising partner PinkPong.
• When: Saturday and Sunday, December 5–6, 2026.
• Where: The Manor Resort, Okehampton.
• What's on: Pickleball coaching, the PicklePals Scramble, a Rally21 tournament, padel, Kubb, ice curling, Christmas activities and a Vendor Village.
• Charity: Fundraising and awareness activities supporting PinkPong.
• Attendance: Day visitors and weekend participants are welcome, with accommodation available at The Manor Resort. Non-playing friends and family can also attend.

Full details can be found at: www.picklepalsapp.com/sportival