More Than 400 Young People Celebrate Inclusion at Tag Fest 2026
More than 400 children and young people with mild and severe learning disabilities came together at Broadstreet RFC on Saturday 20 June for the biggest and most successful Tag Fest yet.
Now in its third year, Tag Fest has become a highlight of the disability rugby calendar, giving children and young people from across the UK the opportunity to experience what it feels like to “go on tour” and be a rugby player for the day. Blessed with amazing weather throughout, the festival was filled with energy, laughter and unforgettable moments as players took part in warm-up activities, tag rugby games and a celebratory disco.
The event brought together disability tag rugby teams from across the UK & Ireland , creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where every participant could enjoy the benefits of sport, friendship and teamwork. Throughout the day, players showcased their enthusiasm, determination and love of the game, supported by a fantastic team of volunteers whose dedication helped make the event such a success.
Wooden Spoon was delighted to welcome its Patron, HRH, The Princess Royal, who spent time watching the rugby matches and meeting players, coaches, volunteers and corporate supporters. During her visit, Her Royal Highness was presented with a special gift by Sandy Gavin from SouthSend Disability Tag Rugby Club, marking a memorable moment for everyone involved.
Tag Fest is funded by Wooden Spoon as part of its commitment to growing disability tag rugby opportunities across the UK and ensuring that more children and young people with disabilities can access sport in a supportive and inclusive environment. With research continuing to show that children with disabilities face significant barriers to participating in physical activity, events such as Tag Fest play a vital role in creating opportunities to learn new skills, build confidence and develop lasting friendships.
We are extremely grateful to Era 4 and partners for their generous support of Tag Fest 2026. Their contribution helped make the event possible and ensured that hundreds of children and young people were able to enjoy a truly special day.
Matt Bishop, Head of Communities at Wooden Spoon, said:
“Tag Fest is about creating opportunities for children and young people with disabilities to experience the joy, confidence and sense of belonging that sport can bring. Seeing more than 400 young people enjoying rugby, making friends and celebrating together was incredibly special. We are hugely grateful to our volunteers, supporters, Era 4 and partners, and everyone who helped make the day such a tremendous success.”
As the music played and the disco got underway, the smiles on the faces of players, families and volunteers said it all. Tag Fest 2026 was a celebration of inclusion, friendship and the power of rugby to change lives, and Wooden Spoon looks forward to welcoming even more teams back next year.
