Council chief kicks off World Cup countdown as Horsham prepares for festival of fun

The club has announced a six-week schedule of events to give rugby fans in the area the perfect venue to watch the Rugby World Cup. The club is aiming to create a ‘festival of fun’ at its Hammerpond Road venue, with marquees, live music, competitions and family fun ahead of every England match. It is the only venue in West Sussex to host RFU-sponsored World Cup initiatives. Horsham DC Council Chair, Tricia Youton said: “The Rugby World Cup is a fantastic event and it’s great that Horsham rugby club has a full programme of events to celebrate the tournament. There is always an upsurge in local interest after major events like this and I’m proud that Horsham has been selected by the RFU to encourage more people to get involved in rugby. “The council strongly supports greater involvement in sport and will continue to support the development of facilities at Horsham RFC to achieve that.” The activities kick off on 18 September, with an ‘England Camp’ tent sleepover for the Opening Ceremony and first England match. The grounds will be open for camping, with dinner and a full English breakfast on offer to all campers to celebrate the start of the festival, watch the Opening Ceremony and cheer on England against Fiji. A beer festival, Aussie BBQ, entertainment, live music and family fun will be on offer during the tournament. Entertainment will run through the afternoon ahead of each England match and a free shuttle bus will run between the club and Horsham, Broadbridge Heath and Southwater. Richard Ordidge, Commercial Manager for Horsham Rugby Club said: “This is a once in a generation moment- the Rugby World Cup hosted in our country – and we plan to make it a festival of fun for rugby fans in Horsham. “We’ll have big screens, a marquee, great food, entertainment and a range of activities during the afternoon for the whole family to generate a great atmosphere for every England match here. “We’re inviting the whole town to come to the club, get involved and get behind England for the World Cup. Come and join the England Camp on 18 September, and enjoy every match here with our hospitality. “Details of all the events are on our website and social media channels.” Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live. Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on. 1 Make this website your homepage 2 Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Sport-Sussex 3 Follow us on Twitter @SportSussex 4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here. And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!