The Backworth 'Easter Egg' Shoot   held in April

As the 'curtain-raiser' to the outdoor season, the Backworth Easter Egg shoot is a firm favourite with many people. What it lacks in formality, it more than makes-up for in sheer enjoyment and a chance to get back to competing in the open air after the long indoor season.

Easter Egg Gallery:   2006  −   2008

The Guisborough 'Soup Shoot'   held in April

Another of the less formal early-season shoots, this event is hosted by Priory Archers. There are no huge trophies, just an enjoyable day's shooting followed by some soup!

Guisborough Gallery:   2008

The Backworth Open   held in May

With the outdoor season in full-swing, the Bowmen of Backworth's headline open tournament is one of several in quick succession. The atmosphere is always good and the tranquil, leafy venue adds to the experience.

Backworth Gallery:   2008

The Walker Open   held in May

The Bowmen of Walker's Open shoot is held in the grounds of Walker Community College. It marks the end of a hectic month of back-to-back record status tournaments.

Walker Gallery:   2008

The Hartlepool Amalgamation Shoot   held in June

Expansive views and fresh sea air are part of the package in this shoot hosted by Heugh Bowmen (info). The 'Western' rounds make a relaxing change from the stresses of May's York/Hereford tournaments.

Heugh Gallery:   2006   −  2008

The National Junior Outdoor Championships   held in July

The very best from around Britain gather at Lilleshall. It is the main national sports centre for the GNAS (also known as Archery GB). This tournament sees the very best of our younger archers competing for national titles.

National Junior Champs Gallery:   2008

The NCAS FITA Stars   usually held in July

"World Record Status" are words that make people sit up and take notice. It's a tournament that promises some serious kudos to those who excel and, within the NCAS region, this is a major calendar event.

FITA Stars Gallery:   2007

The Newburn Open   held in August

The patriotic-sounding St. George and Albion rounds are the usual fare in August for Newburn Archers' Open. In another peaceful setting, Newburn's leisure centre grounds provide an impressive view across the Tyne Valley.

Newburn Gallery:   2006

The Tyne-Tees Shoot   held in September

Within the Durham and Northumberland Archery Association, this represents a North vs South Battle. Clubs around the South Durham and the Tees area take on Clubs from Tyne & Wear and Northumberland at venues that alternate between the Tyne and the Tees.

Tyne-Tees Gallery:   2007

The Inter-County Team Shoot   held in October

This is the main competition of the Northern Counties Archery Society (NCAS) and is contested by its member counties of Durham & Northumberland, Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire, Yorkshire and, recently added, the Isle of Man.

Inter-County Team Gallery:   2007