[3] The Bristol-based Western Daily Express reported on this event as follows: The Lawn Tennis Tournament and Bazaar at Portishead.
With the accompaniment of fine weather play in the Lawn Tennis Tournament was resumed on Saturday at the cricket field.
Though there was good attendance of visitor number's, the tennis tournament was not well attended.On 12 September 1883 the Portishead Open Lawn Tennis Tournament was officially established, at the first meeting of this tournament Charles Lacy Sweet won the men's singles title,[4] against Lionel Wilberforce the brother of Herbert Wilberforce, the men's doubles was won by Charles Lacy Sweet and Mr. Pontifex defeating William Parkfield Wethered and F.E.
There was a numerous gathering of spectators during the four days, and there was favourable weather each day.After the success of the 1883 tournament this event started to attract top players, and ever increasing attendances, and was held up to at least 1890.
[9] The Western Daily Express once again reporting in 1887: The Portishead Lawn Tennis Tournament.