Bridge Federation Of The ACT

Held in conjunction with Australia's largest floral festival, Floriade, Canberra in Bloom is a national, gold points congress for players of all abilities. Pairs and teams events are held in novice, restricted and open categories, with a rookies pairs event catering for players with less than 5 masterpoints.

The mixed teams event has PQPs with qualifying sessions on Saturday and Sunday morning, and semi-finals and finals held over Sunday afternoon and Monday. Note that separate entry fees apply for the semifinals and finals. Also note that players who wish to play in the Sunday/Monday pairs events if they do not end up qualifying for the mixed teams semifinals must register and pay for those pair events beforehand. In case they do qualify for the mixed team semifinals, they will have their entry fees to the pairs events refunded.

The Open Teams event is named the Margaret Bourke Open Teams in memory of local player Margaret Bourke. We appreciate the generous sponsorship of the prize money for this event by Tim Bourke.

Early bird prices for most events are available until 15 August.

Restricted: Under 300 Masterpoints

Novice: Under 100 Masterpoints

Rookie: Under 5 Masterpoints

Masterpoint cut off is 30 June 2026

Entries close 18 September (late entries may be accepted at Convenors' discretion). Contact convener for consideration.

Prizes for winning competitors (subject to minimum number of entrants)

There are a range of accommodation options in the vicinity, from budget to 5 star.

ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION

We highly recommend you book early. This is a peak time for accommodation in Canberra as it is in school holidays and Floriade. If you leave it until late, you may not be able to book at all, or you may pay a much higher rate. We have already been advised that accommodation at the Mercure is in short supply during Canberra in Bloom.

We recommend you stay at either the Mercure Belconnen or the Abode Belconnen. The Mercure is co-located at the Labour Club and features well-appointed one bedroom apartments. The Abode is two minutes walk away just over the road and features premium one and two bedroom apartments. We have arranged special discounts at both the Mercure and Abode.

For the Abode apartments, book here. Please use the discount code BRIDGE26 to receive 12% off Best Available Rate and 5% Cash back after checking out in Guest book rewards. 

For the Mercure, please book here. Please use the discount code BGCI. Note that due to limited availability of rooms, the discount code will not work with all room types.

The Labor Club is within easy walking distance of accommodation, including the Mercure Belconnen which is co-located with the Club. The Club is also within short walking distance of the Belconnen bus interchange, with frequent services to the City. There is car parking on the premises and free parking nearby on Saturday-Monday.

$5 parking is available on the Friday at the section 45 car park off Cameron Ave. Parking is free in that car park on Saturday - Monday.

Lunch is available at the venue and can be pre-ordered. There are multiple cafes and restaurants within walking distance. If you bring your own lunch, you will need to eat it outside the premises.