Vets Fest 2024: A Spectacular Day of Rugby and Fundraising for Wooden Spoon

Vets Fest 24 brought together over 800 veteran rugby players from across the UK and Ireland, raising an impressive £100,000 for Wooden Spoon. The event, featuring 16 men’s and 12 women’s teams, was a celebration of sport, community, and charitable giving.

With teams donning vibrant fancy dress costumes and creatively decorating their gazebos, the atmosphere was electric. Despite a week of unpredictable weather leading up to the event, the day was sunny, providing the perfect backdrop for a day filled with rugby action and camaraderie.

The event, a cornerstone in Wooden Spoon’s annual calendar, not only celebrated the sport but also raised crucial funds for projects benefiting children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage. Participating teams were judged on both their performance on the pitch and their fundraising efforts for the charity.

It was also Wooden Spoon Ambassador and former England rugby captain, Gill Burn’s, last full-contact rugby match. Gill led the Merseyside and North women’s team to victory in the Plate final, marking the end of an illustrious career. Her team also took home the fundraising trophy, raising the most money for Wooden Spoon.

Gill Burns said, “It’s been really special today. I met some lovely new mates in the Northern team, we really bonded, and everyone worked hard. It was an absolute pleasure, and the icing on the cake was winning the Plate final. When I retired from international rugby, we didn’t win the trophy I was hoping for, so this makes up for it in a little way. Wooden Spoon is a great charity, and it’s a pleasure to be here.”

Among the standout moments of the day were the Kent women’s team lifting the Maddy Lawrence Memorial Cup and the Kent men’s team securing the Olly Stephens Memorial Cup. These teams were the overall winners of the rugby and fundraising combined.

Wooden Spoon CEO Sarah Webb expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support from the rugby community: “It’s amazing to see everyone come together, not just for the love of the game, but to support such an important cause. The energy today was unbelievable, and it’s a real testament to what rugby can achieve both on and off the pitch.” She also extended her thanks to the event’s sponsors: “A special thanks goes to our main sponsor, OMERTA, whose support made Vets Fest such a success. Their generosity enables us to continue funding life-changing projects for children and young people. Today’s event will have a lasting impact on many lives.”

As the day came to a close, it was clear that Vets Fest 24 had been a huge success—not only in the funds raised but in the unity and spirit of the rugby community. The festival was a powerful reminder of how sport can bring people together for a greater cause, leaving a lasting legacy both on and off the pitch.