Great British Tennis Weekend At Alexandra Park

TENNIS is one of those sports that everyone loves to watch in the summer. Wimbledon in particular strikes up images of eating bowls of strawberries and cream whilst we cheer on Andy Murray and keep everything crossed for another Wimbledon win.

"The Great British Tennis Weekend is an excellent example of how the park is open to everyone and I'm sure with only days until Wimbledon the tennis sessions will be incredibly popular."

With the Wimbledon tournament starting on Monday, it's the perfect time to pick up a racket and get perfecting your backhand. Even if you're not a tennis pro and find yourself more trying to keep the ball within the boundaries of the tennis court, the sport can still be fun.

Alexandra Park is currently undergoing a £5.5 million restoration project - as this Surrealist CGI shows

The Great British Tennis Weekend, taking place Saturday 21 June, is determined to encourage more members of the public to pick up a tennis racquet and join in. Organised by the Lawn Tennis Association and Tennis Foundation, the weekend is offering free tennis for all - regardless of age, ability or experience. The free sessions will take place Saturday morning between 10am and 1pm and will include mini tennis, family and adult sessions and cardio tennis.

Alexandra Park has four new floodlit tennis courts, making it a good venue to get involved with the sport. The new courts come as part of a £5.5 million project in Alexandra Park, which includes the restoration of historical features including Chorlton Lodge and the Pavilion and also reinstating the oval lawn and footpaths. The project is scheduled to be completed this summer.

Coaching sessions available"Work is almost complete on Alexandra Park and the Great Tennis Weekend is an opportunity for people to come down to try out the new facilities and take in the huge transformation the area has undergone," explained Councillor Rosa Battle, Manchester City Council executive member for culture and leisure. 

"Alexandra Park has a rich heritage, reaching back over 140 years, and this investment will ensure it continues to serve the local communities in Whalley Range, Moss Side and Hulme for years to come."

She added, "The Great British Tennis Weekend is an excellent example of how the park is open to everyone and I'm sure with only days until Wimbledon the tennis sessions will be incredibly popular."

Alexandra Park is one of four Manchester locations taking part in the Great British Tennis Weekend. Other activities are taking place at; Wythenshawe Park on Saturday 21 June (2pm-5pm), Fallowfield Tennis Club on Sunday 22 June (10am-1pm) and Chorlton Park (2pm-5pm).

Follow Niamh Spence on Twitter at @missnspence