Vets Fest 2025
Join Us for Vets Fest 2025: A Rugby Celebration Like No Other!
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 2025 is set for Saturday 23 August 2025 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.
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’re excited to introduce two new categories:
- Over 50s (Vintage Vets)
- Walking Rugby
You will be able to express your interest in playing for your region and within these new categories by using the form below.
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 our third-year celebration in 2023 at Moseley Rugby Football Club in Birmingham drawing 28 teams from over 350 rugby clubs, representing all the home nations.
Why Vets Fest?
This isn’t just a game; it’s a chance to make a real difference. By joining us at Vets Fest 2025, 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 23 August 2025 (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.
Sign Up to Play
📢 Players must be a Wooden Spoon member to attend – Join here (this can also be done when purchasing your ticket).
📢 Players need to be in contact with their Regional Captain to get their access code, if you’re not Complete this form.
FAQs
❓ What’s included in my ticket price?
✔️ Entry to the tournament
✔️ Wooden Spoon / Regional reversible playing shirt
❓ How do I register to play Over 50s or Walking Rugby?
✔️ When you complete the form, make sure you select your preferred competition.
✔️ If your region doesn’t have a full squad, you’ll be entered into a Baba’s style team, but you’ll still represent and fundraise for your region.
❓ How do I fundraise?
✔️ Your region will have a donation link to help you fundraise.
✔️ Share it with friends, family, and anyone who can help you smash your region’s target.
✔️ All the money raised by your region, stays in your region.
❓ I’m new to Wooden Spoon or Vets Fest. What do I do?
✔️ Simply fill in this form, and we’ll put you in contact with your Regional Captain.
✔️ Your captain will add you to a WhatsApp group where you can meet your teammates.
✔️ Your team will help you get set up with accommodation, transport, and kit for the event.
❓ 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. Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and get ready for an incredible experience at Vets Fest 2025!