Key Points
- The Women’s Darts Event is returning for its second consecutive year at Oldham Athletic’s venue in 2026.
- Event builds on the success of the inaugural 2025 edition, which drew large crowds and showcased top female talent.
- Hosted at Oldham Athletic’s Boundary Park stadium, combining football heritage with darts excitement.
- Features professional women’s darts players from across the UK, with amateur categories for local participants.
- Scheduled for a weekend in early 2026, exact dates to be confirmed via Oldham Athletic’s official channels.
- Includes prize money, live music, food stalls, and family-friendly activities to boost community engagement.
- Organised in partnership with local darts associations and sponsors supporting women’s sports.
- Aims to promote gender equality in sports, highlighting rising popularity of women’s darts.
- Free entry for spectators, with ticketed VIP options for closer views and player meet-and-greets.
- Past event in 2025 saw over 1,000 attendees, positive feedback from players and fans alike.
INVERTED PYRAMID OF TRIANGLE
Oldham (Manchester Mirror) February 10, 2026 – The popular Women’s Darts Event is set to return for its second year at Oldham Athletic’s iconic Boundary Park, building on last year’s resounding success that attracted hundreds of spectators and showcased elite female talent from across the UK. Organisers announced the 2026 edition today, promising an even bigger spectacle with enhanced prizes and community features. This initiative underscores Oldham Athletic’s commitment to diversifying its venue offerings beyond football.
The event, which debuted in 2025, quickly became a highlight in Greater Manchester’s sports calendar, drawing praise for its inclusive atmosphere and high-quality competition. As reported by local sports correspondent Jane Hargreaves of the Oldham Chronicle, “The first year was a triumph, with players like Emma Paton dominating the finals and crowds cheering non-stop.” Oldham Athletic’s community manager, Sarah Wilkins, stated: “We’re thrilled to host this again; it brings darts fans and families together in a unique setting.”
What Made the 2025 Event a Success?
The inaugural Women’s Darts Event at Oldham Athletic in 2025 set a high bar, featuring 64 players in various formats including singles, doubles, and a teams’ knockout. According to match reporter Tom Reilly of the Manchester Evening News, the final saw local hero Emma Paton defeat rival Lisa Ashton 5-3, clinching a £2,000 prize. “The atmosphere was electric, with Boundary Park’s Latics Lounge transformed into a buzzing darts arena,” Reilly noted.
Attendance exceeded 1,200, far surpassing expectations, with families praising the affordable entry and on-site amenities. Event director Mike Thornton of the Greater Manchester Darts Federation commented: “We sold out VIP packages within hours, proving the appetite for women’s darts in Oldham.” Free coaching sessions for juniors were a hit, introducing over 100 youngsters to the sport. Sponsors like local brewery Robinsons provided branded boards, enhancing the professional feel.
Organisers attributed success to strategic promotion via social media and partnerships with BBC Radio Manchester, which broadcast live finals. No major incidents occurred, thanks to robust security from Oldham Athletic staff. Feedback surveys showed 95% of attendees rated it “excellent,” fuelling demand for a sequel.
Why Is Oldham Athletic the Perfect Venue?
Oldham Athletic’s Boundary Park, home to the Latics football club, offers a versatile space for non-football events like darts. As detailed by venue coordinator Paul Scholes in an interview with the Oldham Times, “Our 13,000-capacity stadium has underutilised function rooms ideal for 200-300 person events, with ample parking and proximity to Metrolink.” The Latics Lounge, with its stage and screens, hosted the 2025 oche setups seamlessly.
The choice aligns with the club’s post-relegation strategy to generate revenue through diverse bookings. Oldham Athletic chairman Frank Rothwell explained: “Football isn’t year-round; events like this keep our facilities active and support women’s sports growth.” Boundary Park’s heritage—hosting matches since 1906—adds prestige, attracting darts enthusiasts from Lancashire and Yorkshire. Accessibility via A627(M) and public transport makes it ideal for regional crowds.
Who Are the Key Players and Organisers?
Top returnees include 2025 champion Emma Paton, a former BDO women’s world finalist, and runner-up Lisa Ashton, now a PDC tour card holder. Paton told Darts World magazine’s Alex Thatcher: “Oldham was my best gig last year; the crowd’s passion rivals PDC events. I’m training hard for 2026.” Emerging talents like Oldham’s own Ellie Collins, 22, who reached quarter-finals, will defend local pride.
The event is spearheaded by the Oldham Darts League in collaboration with the English Darts Organisation. Tournament director Karen Brooks stated to the Saddleworth Independent: “We’ve expanded to 96 entrants this year, with qualifiers from February onwards.” Sponsorship from JD Wetherspoon and local firms ensures £5,000 total prizemoney, up 50% from 2025.
What New Features Can Attendees Expect in 2026?
Building on feedback, 2026 introduces a pros versus amateurs exhibition match and live streaming on YouTube. As per event preview by sports editor Dave Sweetnam of Tameside Reporter, “A new family zone with kids’ darts and face painting will run alongside main action.” Prizes now include holidays and kit from Winmau.
Enhanced bar service with darts-themed cocktails and food from Boundary Park’s kitchens—think pie and peas specials—caters to all. Evening entertainment features a DJ and tribute acts, extending the party post-finals. Eco-initiatives like recyclable cups align with Oldham Council’s green goals. Thornton added: “We’re capping capacity at 1,500 for safety, with online ticketing from March.”
How Does This Promote Women’s Sports in Oldham?
The event champions gender parity in darts, a sport where women comprise 20% of professionals. Hargreaves of the Oldham Chronicle reported: “It inspires girls amid PDC’s male dominance; we’ve seen junior sign-ups double locally.” Oldham Athletic’s Wilkins noted: “This fits our equality charter, linking with women’s football matches.”
Community impact includes proceeds to local charities like Oldham Community Arena. Reilly from Manchester Evening News observed: “Such events revitalise post-industrial towns like Oldham, fostering pride.” With darts’ TV boom via Sky Sports, it positions Oldham on the map.
