The Sands Leisure Centre Commonwealth open weekend
Get Ready For The Team England National Sports Weekend at The Sands Centre.
Save the date: 18th and 19th July 2026
Come and join us in partnership with Team England at The Sands Centre for a weekend filled with free sports and fun family activities for everyone to enjoy.
Ready to unleash your sporting spirit? Members and non-member can jump in and experience the excitement of Commonwealth Games-inspired sports and activities. Book your spot in advance to enjoy a whole range of activities, including padel and pickleball; basketball, swimming and athletics.
Whether you're trying something completely new or rediscovering a sport you love, there's plenty of fun waiting for all ages and abilities.
In centre, children can enjoy Jungle Jacks Inflatable, Junior wheelchair Basketball, foam blaster, pool inflatable, water safety and gymnastics. Our adults have the option of an array of fitness classes, CPR Training, Pickleball.
Furthermore we have the return of the Carlisle Triathlon. Now in its second year and delivered in partnership with Carlisle Tri Club, the event follows a successful debut in 2025 and welcomes both beginners and experienced athletes. Competitors will take on a 500m swim in the centre's refurbished pool, followed by a 20.4km cycle route and a 4.9km run, with all participants receiving a bespoke finisher's medal.
There will be glitter tattoos, colouring and craft activities running throughout the day, providing plenty of creative fun.
For anyone wishing to visit, it’s recommended that sessions are booked in advance due to limited spaces. Members can secure their place via the Better UK app or speak to the centre team. Non-members can participate by creating a free account via the app or online at https://bookings.better.org.uk/register, then simply book an available open day activity, or select an Open Day General Access Session.
Saturday
| 08:45-09:30 | Open Day Barre/Dance Master Class | Studio |
| 09:40-10:25 | Open Day Mind and Body Master Class | Studio |
|
09:40-10:25 |
Open Day Mind and Body Master Class |
Studio |
|
10:35-11:20 |
Open Day Cardio Master Class | Studio |
|
11.00-14.00 |
Health Checks and Health Testing | Gym |
|
11:30-12:30 |
Explore Gymnastics - Juniors | Sports Hall |
|
12:00-13:00 |
Wheelchair Basket Ball with cwsc Panthers, |
Sports Hall Courts 3&4 |
| 12.30-13.00 | Open Day Water Safety Taster Session | Pool 20m |
| 12.00-13.30 | Open Day Gym Taster Session, | Gym |
| 12.00-13.30 | Open Day Adult & Junior Gym Taster Session, | Gym |
| 13.00-13.50 | Aquasplash dual run | Main Pool |
| 13:00-13:45 | Open Day Strength and Conditioning Master Class, | Studio |
| 14.00-14.50 | Aquasplash dual run, | Main Pool |
| 14.00-15.00 | Open Day Mind and Body Fitness Master Class | Studio |
| 15:10-16:40 | Foam Blaster Drop In Session | Sports Hall |
Sunday
| 08.00-12.00 | Carlisle Triathlon | Main 25m Pool |
| 09.00-10.00 | Toddlers World | Sports Hall |
| 09.00-09.45 | Open Day Strength and Conditioning Master Class | Studio |
| 09:00-09:45 | Open Day Cardio Master Class | Studio |
| 10:00-10:45 | Open Day Cardio Master Class | Studio |
| 10:00-11:00 | Toddlers World | Sports Hall |
| 12:00-13:00 | Restart the Heart CPR | Bar |
| 13.00-13.50 | Family Fun Swim | Pool |
| 13:00-14:00 | Pickleball | Sports Hall |
| 13:00-14:00 | Toddlers World | Sports Hall |
| 14:00-15:00 | Pickleball | Sports Hall |
| 14:00-15:00 | Toddlers World | Sports Hall |
| 14.00-14.45 | Open Day Mind and Body Fitness Master Class | Studio |
| 14.00-14.50 | Family Fun Swim | Pool |
| 15:00-16:00 | Senior Water Polo | 20m Pool |
| 15:00-16:00 | Pickleball | Sports Hall |
| 17:00-17:45 | Open Day Strength and Conditioning Master Class | Studio |
What to bring
Any fitness classes please bring comfortable fitness wear, water and a towel.
Wheelchair Basketball, Gloves, comfortable clothing, water
Jungle Jacks Inflatable, Comfortable clothing and Socks
Gymnastics, Comfortable clothing, no jewellery, hair tied back
Aquasplash Pool Inflatable, Swimwear, Towel, Goggles
Water Safety, Swimwear, towel and tshirt
Pickleball, comfortable clothing, trainers, water anad a towel
Water Polo, swimwear, towel
We aim to be as inclusive as possible so please do get in touch if you have any concerns we will be happy to help and advise. You can call us on 01228 633766.