Swimming Summer Championships 2026 update

The SESW Summer Swimming Championships 2026, delivered by Swim England South West, return this spring as our flagship regional competition.

With Age Group, Youth and Para competitions across three exciting weekends, we look forward to welcoming swimmers, coaches, officials, volunteers and spectators from across the region.

📅 Event Dates & Venues

Age Group Championships (11–14yrs)

📍 Millfield School

• 25–26 April 2026
• 9–10 May 2026

Youth Championships (15yrs+) & Para Championships

📍 Hengrove Leisure Centre

• 2–4 May 2026

📄 Confirmed Entries

Confirmed entries and accepted swimmer lists will be published here once available.

Clubs and swimmers are advised to check this section regularly for updates.

🔗 Confirmed Entries: psych sheets including scratches v3.pdf

🙌 Volunteers

We cannot run these Championships without the support of our clubs.

All clubs entering swimmers are expected to provide volunteers across the sessions. Parents, helpers and Young Volunteers are all welcome.

🔗 Volunteer Sign-Up:
https://www.swim-meet.com/VolunteersSignup/SwimEnglandSouthWest/

👨‍⚖️ Officials

To maintain our Level 1 licence, we must have sufficient officials at every session.

🔗 Officials Sign-Up:
https://swim-meet.com/OfficialsSignup/SwimEnglandSouthWest/

Officials will receive mileage reimbursement and refreshments where applicable.

SESW Summer Regional Championships 2026 - Millfield Officials Handbook v9 (17th April).pdf

SESW Summer Regional Championships 2026 - Hengrove Officials Handbook v5 (17th April).pdf

🧑‍🏫 Parent Support Workshops (NEW)

We are excited to invite parents of all Regional Championship qualifying swimmers to attend our pre-competition parent support sessions, delivered in collaboration with AP Race.

📅 Session Dates (Online)

• Tuesday 21st April – 13:00
• Wednesday 22nd April – 18:00

🎤 What to Expect

• Led by Kevin Pickard, Development Director at AP Race
• Featuring an international athlete sharing their journey
• Practical advice to support swimmers
• Opportunity to submit questions in advance

🎟 Free to attend

🔗 Register here:
https://forms.gle/LvVXRfU5hCkvH2fm9

If you are unable to attend live, please still register to receive the recording.

👕 Event Merchandise

Official Championship merchandise is now available to purchase.

🔗 Shop now:
https://www.swimpath.co.uk/collections/swim-england-south-west-regional-event-merchandise

📸 Event Photography (NEW for 2026)

We are delighted to introduce professional event photography at this year’s Championships.

A professional photographer will be present across all weekends to capture race action, medal moments and team celebrations.

📷 How It Works

• General Coverage: Coverage across all events (not every swimmer guaranteed)
• Race Requests (£30): Guarantee one race captured (redeemable credit) - Book a Request here https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QXK99CS6 How it works: This ensures we capture the swimmer in one specific race but does not mean we will solely focus on them throughout the race. The £30 fee acts as a credit towards purchases once the gallery is live. Images remain in the general public gallery.1 Request = 1 Race.
• Dedicated Coverage (from £70): Personalised photography with private gallery Dedicated Coverage: Commissions (starting £70) Link: Book a Commission here  https://malaperphotography.instaproofs.com/booking/session.php?id=4928d0206e0e How it works: This provides a dedicated photographer, priority editing, a private gallery, and inclusive digital downloads.

Photos will be uploaded daily, with full galleries available shortly after each weekend.

🔗 View Gallery / Info:
https://malaperphotography.instaproofs.com/southwestregionals2026

🎫 Spectator Information

A ticketing system will be in place for all sessions.

💷 Spectator Fees

Age Group Weekends:

• £10 per day
• £20 per weekend
• £35 for both weekends
• Children: Free

Youth & Para Championships:

• £10 per day
• £30 for all three days
• Children: Free

Tickets can be booked via the calendar page, just go to the date you would like to attend and all the options will be there - https://www.swimwest.org.uk/competitions/2026/04

🧑‍💼 Coaches Passes

All coaches and team managers must hold valid accreditation.

• Cost: £10 (covers all three weekends)
• Available via Swim England Member Options
• Must be purchased and printed in advance

⚠️ Only accredited coaches and team staff will be permitted on poolside.

⏱ Warm-Up Information

Warm-up schedules will be in place for each day of competition to ensure safe and effective preparation for all swimmers.

Warm Up timings for each day

⚠️ Millfield Site Information (Important)

For those attending events at Millfield, please be aware of the following key site rules:

• 🥜 Nut-Free Site: No nut products permitted
• 🚭 No Smoking or Vaping: Anywhere on site
• 🚶 Restricted Access: Remain within swimming facility areas only
• 🚗 Parking: Use designated areas and follow steward guidance
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Safeguarding: No access to other school areas

Millfield Campus Regulations for All Swim Meet Attendees

📢 Stay Updated

Further information including:

• Event updates
• Key documents

will be published on the website and social media pages. 

💙 We Look Forward to Welcoming You

The SESW Summer Championships are a highlight of the swimming calendar, bringing together the very best talent from across the region.

We look forward to an exciting, high-quality competition — and making 2026 our best Championships yet.