A STREET table tennis festival is bouncing into Bournemouth this summer.

The town has been selected as the venue for the national launch of Ping! 2016.

The ping pong extravaganza will see over 20 ping pong tables springing up at various locations across Bournemouth including Central Gardens, Queen’s Park and Tuckton Tea Gardens.

The tables will be set up from June 10, offering visitors and residents the chance to play table tennis for free throughout the summer – all they will need to do is grab a bat and ball from the side of the table and get playing.

Ping! Bournemouth has been organised by Active Dorset in partnership with Bournemouth council and Table Tennis England.

Martin Kimberley, chief executive of Active Dorset, said the festival aimed to create community spirit across the town, by providing many social playing opportunities.

“Active Dorset are thrilled to be working with Bournemouth council and Table Tennis England to bring Ping! to Bournemouth,” he added.

“Residents and visitors are sure to take up the opportunity to play at the various venues around the town, and that, coupled with the great club and coaching opportunities locally, means we really hope to see a big surge in people playing table tennis.”

Ping! first started in 2010 and has previously taken place in multiple locations including Nottingham, London and Brighton. This summer, the event will be returning to 21 cities and towns across the country.

Keely Armitt, adult participation manager for Table Tennis England, was involved in the decision-making process of electing Bournemouth as a ‘Ping! City’.

She said: “There is an interesting and exciting programme of activities and events planned for Bournemouth this summer.

“It is also a Table Tennis England priority for people to play beyond the summer Ping! festival.”

The festival launches with a ping pong bonanza at the bandstand in Bournemouth Gardens on June 10 from 12pm.

Further details will be announced soon. A series of Ping! events will also be taking place throughout the festival, which will run from June until August 2016.