WITH the sun shining over Wagga, its the perfect time for the start of the Springtime Festival of Bowls.

The Wagga RSL Men's Bowling Club will start its over-arching festival with one of its best events - the Classic Fours Tournament.

Held over the long weekend, 24 teams will compete over three days in the $10,000 tournament.

In its 34th year, the event remains popular on the bowls calendar and teams from across the state are coming for the event.

They will travel from the north coast, Victoria and the south soast along as well as from clubs across the Riverina.

Last year's winning team of David Ivanoff, Richard Durnan, Peter Durnan and Shane Rowlings from Narrandera will return and a number of Australian and NSW players have confirmed their attendance.

Australian representative Dylan Skinner will play with David Inglis, Ross Maguire, David Ferguson, Michael Wilks and Issac Raynor will als be on the greens.

Publicity officer Brian Lawrence was thrilled with the calibre of talent assembled for the tournament. A prize of $4000 wil be taken home by the winners.

"There is quite a lot of good players with state and premier league players, plus most of the other players are in the top pennants sides from around here," he said.

"We want the weather on our side and the forecast is that its going to be pretty hot, so that should be fine."

Play will start at 9am on Saturday, Sunday and Monday with two games of 21 ends to be played each day before the finals.

The tournament begins a big monthat the RSL with the $2200 Coca Cola Three Pairs on October 25 and 26.

The following weekend the $2000 Clarrie & Barbara Inglis Mixed Three will be played.

Displaying a new look for the weekend's action, the RSL Club received sponsorship from Specsavers for some new uniforms.