Bangor Aurora Aquatics and Leisure Complex to Host Commonwealth Games Swimming Qualifiers

Ards and North Down Borough Council is pleased to announce that Bangor will welcome athletes, teams and supporters from across the UK and Ireland as the 2026 Irish Open Championships and Commonwealth Games Trials (50m) take place at Bangor Aurora from 8-12 April 2026.

This prestigious event marks a significant milestone for the Borough, as Bangor hosts the Commonwealth Games Qualifiers for the very first time. Securing an event of this scale reflects Bangor Aurora's reputation as a world-class aquatic facility and highlights the Borough's growing status as a destination for major sporting competitions.

The Championships are expected to deliver strong economic benefits to the local area, with increased demand for hotels, restaurants, cafés and other hospitality businesses as competitors, officials and spectators visit Bangor throughout the week.

Northern Community Leisure Trust, which operates the facility on behalf of the Council, is proud to host the event in partnership with Swim Ulster.

Iain Greenway, Chairman of Northern Community Leisure Trust, said: "We are delighted to host the Commonwealth Games Trials at Bangor Aurora and look forward to welcoming athletes and supporters from across the region. Our team is committed to providing an environment where swimmers can perform at their very best, while continuing to support the wide range of activities enjoyed by our local community."

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum said: "We are immensely proud to welcome the 2026 Irish Open Championships and Commonwealth Games Trials to Bangor for the very first time. Hosting an event of this calibre is a testament to the outstanding facilities at Bangor Aurora, and to the dedication of our sporting partners across the Borough. The Championships will bring significant economic and social benefits to our community, and we look forward to showcasing our town to athletes, teams and supporters from across the UK and Ireland. I wish all competitors the very best as they pursue qualification for the Commonwealth Games."

Further details regarding pool access during the event will be shared in advance once the competition schedule is confirmed.

Ards and North Down Borough Council look forward to welcoming visitors and wish all athletes every success, as they compete for qualification to the Commonwealth Games.

For any enquiries please contact -  leisure.bangoraurora@serco.com