The highest-ranked player in the men's singles is England No. 11 Colin Bryant, who is also top seed in the under-21 competition.
Among others taking part is Mike Johns, deputy chairman of the EBBA.
England inter-national Helen Lower is the biggest name in the women's tournament and hopes to go one better than last year, when she lost in the final to Marketa Myskoua.
There is a good local entry, led by Dave Godbold from Sunderland, Andrew Wilkinson of Cramlington and Eddie Smith of Gateshead.
Spectators are welcome at the Open, which starts at 9.30am on both days with the men's final due at 3.00 on the Sunday.