Vets Fest 2026
Get your tickets now!
Bringing the Rugby Family Together and Giving Back to Your Local Community
Are you ready for an unforgettable day of rugby, camaraderie, and community spirit? Vets Fest 2026 is set for Saturday 26 September 2026 at Tynedale RFC, Newcastle, NE45 5AY, and we can’t wait to bring together rugby enthusiasts from all over to celebrate this incredible sport while making a positive impact on our local communities.
Teams will collect Vets Fest points throughout the competition from early sign ups to fundraising amounts and rugby in between in order to be crowned the Vets Fest champions. Make sure you speak to your team captain to get your Vets Fest 2026 access code.
About Vets Fest
Vets Fest is a rugby tournament for over 35s who want to play in a community of like-minded people while raising money and awareness for Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby. In 2025, we introduced two new categories:
- Over 50s (Vintage Vets)
- Walking Rugby
Born in 2020, Vets Fest is more than just a rugby event—it’s a movement dedicated to raising funds for children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage. Over the years, we’ve grown in size and spirit, with Friday night parties, fancy dress, rugby, camping and more!
Interested in signing up for walking rugby? Use this link to be put in contact with your regional captain.
Why Vets Fest?
This isn’t just a game; it’s a chance to make a real difference. By joining us at Vets Fest 2026, you’ll be contributing to a cause that supports those who need it most. Every penny raised goes directly towards helping children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage in your local communities.
Event Details:
📅 Date: Saturday 26 September 2026 (with overnight camping available)
⏰ Time: 10am till late
📍 Venue: Tynedale RFC, Newcastle, NE45 5AY
What to Expect:
🏉 Thrilling Rugby Matches: Watch as teams from all corners of the UK and Ireland compete in exhilarating matches that showcase the very best of veteran rugby.
🎉 Family Fun: Bring the whole family along for a day packed with activities, food, and entertainment.
🤝 Community Spirit: Meet fellow rugby fans, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and be part of a community united by a shared passion for the game and a desire to give back.
🎶 Live Entertainment: Enjoy live music, performances, and much more as we celebrate into the night.
❤️ Supporting a Great Cause: Feel good knowing that your participation and contributions are making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people in need.
🔥 NEW for 2025: Vintage Vets (Over 50) and Walking Rugby.
Referee or Volunteer
If you aren’t interested in playing but want to Ref or just Volunteer, you can! Contact rugby@woodenspoon.org.uk
FAQs
❓ Where do I get a player’s code?
✔️ Speak to your team captain who will be able to provide the code.
✔️ If you are new and don’t know who your captain is, contact rugby@woodenspoon.org.uk or use the link below
❓ What’s included in my ticket price?
✔️ Entry to the tournament
✔️ Wooden Spoon / Regional reversible playing shirt (for registered players only)
❓ What is Walking Rugby?
✔️ Walking rugby is exactly what it sounds like – rugby, but at a walking pace. It’s a modified version of rugby designed to be inclusive, social, and low-impact, so people of all ages and fitness levels can play. No running – at least one foot must always be on the ground, Non-contact – no tackling; instead, it’s touch, Mixed teams – often mixed age and gender & it has a Social focus – fitness and fun over competition.
❓ How do I register to play Over 50s or Walking Rugby?
✔️ Select the ticket option you require when you sign up.
❓ I want to sign up to Walking Rugby but im not part of a region, what do I do?
✔️ Use this link – https://go.woodenspoon.org.uk/vetsfest-walking-interest
❓ How do I fundraise?
✔️ Your region will have a donation link to help you raise funds.
✔️ Share it with friends, family, and supporters to help smash your region’s target.
✔️ All money raised by your region stays in your region.
❓ I’m new to Wooden Spoon or Vets Fest. What do I do?
✔️ Get in contact with your regional captain, if you don’t know who that is, complete this form – https://go.pardot.com/l/1098612/2025-04-14/7bpj64
❓ Where do I stay?
✔️ We offer camping on site for both tents and campervans.
✔️ Stay in a local hotel – Tynedale RFC has great transport links with a train station right on its doorstep
❓ How do I get there?
✔️ You will need to arrange your own transport to Tynedale RFC
✔️ You can drive and park onsite at Tynedale RFC
✔️ Get the train. Tynedale RFC has great transport links with a train station right on its doorstep
❓ I’m a spectator, what do I do?
✔️ Simply grab a spectator’s ticket.
✔️ Evening entry and camping options are also available.
❓ Still have questions?
📩 Contact us at rugby@woodenspoon.org.uk
Join Us and Make a Difference!
Together, we can create an unforgettable day of rugby and community spirit while raising vital funds for those who need it most. Whether you’re playing, spectating, or celebrating, Vets Fest 2025 promises to be an incredible event.
📅 Mark your calendars, bring your friends and family, and join us at Tynedale RFC, Newcastle.