Welcome to the
Isle of Wight Festival
of Rugby 2026
DIGITAL GUIDE
The Festival Venue
To Be Announced – 2026 Location Details Coming Soon
Our festival venue for 2026 is yet to be confirmed, but rest assured it will meet the high standards you’ve come to expect from the Festival of Rugby. Past festivals have taken place in top-quality sports complexes with scenic surroundings and excellent playing surfaces, and the upcoming event will be no exception.
As always, a full information pack will be provided ahead of the event. This will include:
The playing schedule
A festival site map including pitch layout and key locations
Exact pitch allocations and fixture timings
On the day, each team will be asked to send a representative to check in at the Festival Control Point, which will be clearly marked on the site map.
Parking at the Rugby Festival
Parking details will be shared once the venue is confirmed. However, please note that on-site parking may be limited due to high demand and potential overlap with other events. Attendees should be prepared to use local pay & display car parks, typically within a 10–15 minute walk from the festival grounds.
Suggested parking guidance and maps will be included in your final festival pack closer to the date.
The Festival Fixtures
Day 1
It’s arrivals day for teams, family members and supporters from across the UK, check into your accommodation and enjoy some free time for a pre-match moral boosting activity or get together, explore the local attractions, have a nice meal and plan your rugby strategies for the weekend ahead.
Day 2
First match to start at 9am, last match to finish at 6pm
Day one for the competitive age groups will see the first group stage rounds of the festival for participating teams, with matches scheduled for either the morning or afternoon sessions, we plan to allocate a three hour window for teams to play within the day with breaks between matches within the three hour window, fixtures are scheduled in accordance to RFU age grade guidance on playing times and rules.
All teams will participate over the two days, all competitive age group teams are guaranteed to be playing for silverware on day 2 in one of a variety of tournaments within the festival based on day 1 group stage results. For example, if you are in an age group of 8 teams there will be 2 groups of 4 teams on the Saturday playing 3 matches, the top 2 teams of each group going on to the Isle of Wight Cup on the Sunday and the 3rd & 4th placed teams of each group going on to the Isle of Wight Challenge Cup on the Sunday. All teams can look forward to playing for silverware on the Sunday against teams of similar standing from Saturdays games.
All teams play in semi-finals on Sunday, winning teams playing in finals and losing semi-finalists playing 3rd & 4th place play off matches, resulting in 3 fixtures on the Saturday and 2 fixtures on the Sunday, 5 fixtures overall during the weekend.
At the competitive age groups awards are presented on stage to the winners and the finalists. Please note, where the number of teams is different to 8 teams variable other schedules are played, however no matter the number of teams at any one of the competitive age groups, teams always play for silverware on the Sunday regardless of day 1 results.
Non-competitive age groups, the essence of the festival is fun, no pressure and encouragement to enjoy their rugby, teams will be drawn randomly to play against each other, no scores will be recorded at the end of each match only cheers, applause and congratulations for a game well played will be bestowed on the deserving young players, with each player receiving medals.
Late afternoon the rugby festival comes to an end for the day and participating teams, family members and supporters head back to their various accommodation to enjoy an evening of fun and frolics on tour.
Day 3
First match to start at 9am, last match to finish at 6pm
Whether you take home the silverware or not, with a jubilant crowd and buzzing pitch-side atmosphere, the climax of the tournament is an event not to be missed as the day is filled with great rugby and presentations on stage throughout.
After each final has been played, we look to make the presentations on stage within 45 minutes of the fixture ending.
For the age groups playing competitive rugby the schedule is filled with some final group stages, quarter-finals, semi-finals, finals and play off matches along with the non-competitive age groups, the essence of day 2 at the festival is once again fun, no pressure and encouragement to enjoy their rugby, teams will once again be drawn randomly to play against each other, no scores will be recorded at the end of each match followed by even louder cheers, applause and congratulations for a game well played and once the rugby has finished for the day each and every one of the players in the non-competitive age groups will be called up on stage to receive their individual awards as their fans go wild and show their appreciation of the talent they have seen perform.
All presentations will be done to celebration music, teams will be called up on stage by the MC so ensure you bring your cameras with you for those once in a lifetime photo opportunity.
Teams head back to their accommodation to enjoy their last night of fun on tour.
Day 4
After an unforgettable and action packed weekend of rugby, your team will depart the accommodation and head home to reminisce with tales of the weekend.
The Festival Checklist
Rugby reminder....
- Please bring two sets of different coloured playing shirts, a colour clash with match opponents may occur, to prevent this you may be required to change
- your teams primary rugby kit.
- All players must be affiliated to an RFU and registered club to play at the festival.
- Teams should bring their own rugby balls for warm up and pre training sessions.
- Rugby match balls will be provided by the Isle of Wight Festival of Rugby and used for all fixtures.
- Teams should be pitch side 10 minutes before their match fixture starts.
- No player serving an RFU ban will be permitted to play in the festival.
- No person serving an RFU ban will be permitted to be part of the festival or attend rugby festival matches.
VERY IMPORTANT, PLEASE NOTE:
Only players who are part of the festival package and named on the team sheets & rooming lists will be permitted to take part in the rugby festival.
Any team found to be playing a player who is not part of the festival package will automatically be disqualified from the festival and any points awarded in previous fixtures (competitive age groups) results will be reversed with a 3-point win awarded to the opponent.
The above does not apply to local teams, however local teams may only use players who have been listed on a team sheet pre festival.
The Festival Presentations
Who will be Crowned Isle of Wight Festival of Rugby 2026 Champions?
- Where there are 4 teams in a tournament at the festival there will be one cup competition – Isle of Wight Cup.
- Where there are 8 teams in a tournament at the festival there will be two cup competitions – Isle of Wight Cup & Isle of Wight Challenge Cup.
- Where there are 10 teams in a tournament at the festival there will be three cup competitions – Isle of Wight Cup, Isle of Wight Challenge Cup & Isle of Wight Trophy Cup.
Eagerly anticipated and ultra-competitive, promising an excellent standard of rugby for all. An unforgettable experience for players and spectators as our MC invites players and coaches to the stage to collect their medals and trophies in front of a jubilant crowd to celebration music.
The presentations for all winners and runners up for each trophy in each competitive age group will be presented with medals. The overall winners will get to lift the highly prestigious Isle of Wight Festival of Rugby 2026 Cup. All players within the non-competitive age groups receive individual awards and are brought up on stage to celebrate their outstanding performances.
The Festival Village
Music, Food and Drink Zones & Produce Stalls
At the heart of the Festival of Rugby, you’ll find the lively Festival Village, the central hub for entertainment, food, and fun! This is where the main stage will host live DJ sets, exciting musical performances, character appearances, and free face painting throughout both days of the event. Expect a family-friendly atmosphere buzzing with energy from morning to evening.
Within the Festival Zone, you’ll also discover a wide range of delicious food and drink options from handpicked vendors, offering everything from gourmet street food and ice cream to sweet treats, artisan snacks, and refreshing beverages.
You’ll also find:
Amusement attractions for all ages
Live caricature artists for custom team portraits
Unique pop-up stalls with festival favourites and local flair
It’s the perfect place to relax between games, refuel, and soak up the spirit of the festival. More details on specific performers, vendors, and attractions will be shared as we get closer to the 2026 event—stay tuned!
The Festival Live Bands
The Festival of Rugby isn’t just about thrilling matches, it’s about atmosphere, energy, and entertainment! As the games wind down, the festival heats up with live music from a fantastic headline band. Expect an evening of great tunes, singalongs, and a buzzing crowd all coming together to celebrate the sport we love.
Whether you’re winding down after a day of action or gearing up for a night of fun, the live band will deliver the perfect soundtrack to your festival experience. So grab some food, gather your team, and enjoy an unforgettable night of live entertainment!
Stay tuned, we’ll be announcing the 2026 headline act soon!
The Festival Stalls
Explore a vibrant mix of festival stalls offering something for everyone! Whether you’re on the hunt for some new rugby gear, looking to grab a bite between games, or just want to browse unique local crafts, our stall village will keep you busy.
Expect to find:
Delicious food trucks serving everything from street food favourites to healthy fuel-up options
Merchandise stands with festival-branded gear and rugby apparel
Local artisans and craft stalls with gifts, goodies, and more
Fun games and activities for kids and adults alike
Our festival stalls are more than just a marketplace, they’re a hub of community, culture, and connection. Be sure to take a wander and support the amazing vendors who help make the Festival of Rugby a truly special event.
