National Bingo Week returned for its 5^th year, running from 23^{rd –} 29^th June. It saw the industry come together – all operators – to celebrate the love of the game and the value it brings to all generations. Players were able to celebrate with discounted value sessions, and the festivities concluded with the win of an incredible £100,000 jackpot at Mecca Gateshead on the Sunday.

Research conducted by The Bingo Association revealed a growing disconnect between generations, with nearly a quarter (24%) of young adults aged 18-34 citing they struggle to interact with older generations.

That’s why the theme for this year’s National Bingo Week centred on the value of bingo as a ‘generation game’ – an activity to bridge the generation gap and bring people of all ages together – offering something for everyone, in the hearts of our communities up and down the country.

🎉 The industry saw attendance success as a result

During National Bingo Week attendance was up by a whopping 16% on the previous week, despite the record-breaking temperatures.

🎗️ Charity

On Friday 25th June, a nationwide charity game was held in support of Variety – The Children’s Charity, bringing in an impressive £20,000.

Within the last six years, bingo fans have helped raise over £2million for the Variety, demonstrating the remarkable spirit of giving within the bingo community.

👨‍💼 MP visits

17 MPs visited clubs nationwide, including Daniel Francis (Buzz Bingo Bexleyheath), Andrew Western (Club 3000 Old Trafford), and Johanna Baxter (Mecca Bingo Paisley). National Bingo Week also drew interest from 27 more MPs, who have expressed plans to visit clubs in the coming months.

📻 Bingo callers and industry spokespeople take to the airwaves

The generation game story was discussed on regional radio with CEO Miles Baron and 2025’s newly crowned Bingo Caller of the Year, Issy-Mae Hunt from Buzz Bingo, taking to the airwaves for interviews.

With a 10-minute news piece on BBC Breakfast (aired on Friday 4^th July) discussing the resurgence of the younger generation in bingo clubs today with a visit to Mecca Luton talking to their customers. The clip also featured Bingo Benj – another previous Caller of the Year – who even called the numbers live on air.

The BBC Breakfast clip was picked up by Channel 4’s Celebrity Gogglebox (aired on Friday 11^th July), where it featured in a 3.5-minute segment showcasing celebrities enthusiastically engaging with and discussing their bingo experience.

📱 Social media competition to drive interest

In its first year, The Bingo Association created a National Bingo Week social competition – to encourage all bingo attendees to share pictures of them playing the beautiful game during the week.

🤩 Social media buzz with big name talent joining in

This year’s National Bingo Week had a star-studded line up, with Vanessa Feltz trying her hand out at bingo calling in Luton. During National Bingo Week, she debated on her Channel 5 Daytime Talk Show, Vanessa: Bingo – Is it brilliant or boring?  and within the week, she was invited to try it out for herself. The verdict was that it is resoundingly brilliant.

Blue’s Duncan James also enjoyed a night out in Feltham with his mum.  Duncan said: “I loved visiting Buzz Bingo with my Mum recently, it was brilliant. There really is something for everyone there. It is one of those games that brings people together of all generations.”

TV presenter Jenny Powell also surprised bingo goers in Manchester.

Miles Baron CEO Bingo Association “This year’s National Bingo Week went to new levels – shining a brilliant light on the contribution that bingo makes to our communities. It truly is a generational game and that is evident with the age of attendees in bingo clubs up and down the country. Although age and lifestyle can sometimes feel like barriers, the desire to spend meaningful time together is something we all share – even if we’re not always sure how to bridge the communication gap. It’s why we wanted to shine a light on a pastime that brings people together regardless of age. Bingo has always been more than just numbers – it’s about connection, conversation and community. Whether you’re 28 or 88 it’s one of the few social activities that everyone can enjoy together.”

Onwards to 2026!