YEARS of planning in the making, the Rugby World Cup starts today (Friday September 18) – and the Proud Home of the Game is ready to celebrate.
Final touches are being put to the Rugby Fanzone in Old Market Place ready for a street party to mark the big kick-off, which starts at 4pm.
The town centre will see live bands, family entertainment, the screening of England’s opening game, special guest Shaun the Sheep, and a surprise or two as the eyes of the world focus on the birthplace of the sport.
Other attractions include the Guinness World Record rugby freestyle champion, stilt-walkers, Haka performances, children’s entertainers, tag Rugby, and special guests from Wasps RFC.
Organisers have also cryptically promised to “bring the Webb Ellis statue to life”.
The Rugby Fanzone big screen – which, at 5m x 3m, is Rugby’s largest – will burst into life screening the official opening ceremony (7pm) and England’s first game against Fiji live from Twickenham (8pm).
The Fanzone’s Scrum Down bar – also the biggest in the town – will serve cold beers while Hillmorton Community Choir warms up the crowd with inspirational rugby anthems.
And ale lovers can sample a selection of local breweries’ rugger-themed ales as the two-day Rugby Camra Beer Festival kicks off at Thornfield Bowls Club at 2pm – where the match will also be screened.
* FREE parking will be on offer at the John Barford multi-story car park throughout Rugby’s World Cup celebrations.
The car park – adjacent to the Rugby Village/Fanzone, will be free after 12 noon until 6 November, when the town’s Enjoy Rugby Festival ends.
Opening hours have also been extended to include Sunday opening, when parking will be £1 in the mornings and free after 12 noon.
