The Londonaise

Do you find croquet just that bit too energetic? Try pétanque, France's favourite park sport, in which you throw heavy balls as close as possible to a little ball without even moving an inch. This three-day festival is London's chance to take up the game, with free sessions for all experience levels on Saturday (boules are provided for beginners). Those whose bowling arm is already well-practiced might like to register for the competition day (Sunday) – the fee is £10 and the prize fund totals £5,000. Friday's event will see celebrities play dressed as 'French Freddies' in aid of the Mercury Phoenix Trust's Freddie for a Day campaign.