Gloucester City’s Biggest Community Rugby Celebration
At Active Gloucestershire, we believe sport and physical activity can change lives. That’s why we’re proud to be at the heart of the Kings Square Rugby Takeover on Saturday 30 August 2025 – a free, all-day community festival set to be the biggest rugby celebration Gloucester has ever seen.
Active Gloucestershire are thrilled to announce the Kings Square Rugby Takeover, a landmark community event bringing together sport, music, history, and family fun in the heart of the city. Taking place on Saturday 30 August 2025, from 10:30am to 7:00pm, this free celebration promises to be the largest rugby-themed event ever held in Gloucester’s city centre.
In partnership with other local businesses and organisations, Kings Square will be transformed into a vibrant hub of activity, featuring live screenings, interactive talks, live music, and special appearances by Gloucester Rugby players. During the day, Active Gloucestershire is bringing you an inspirational panel and a chance to connect with some of Gloucestershire’s sports and activity clubs.
What’s Happening Inside the University of Gloucestershire City Campus?
As part of the Kings Square Rugby Takeover, the University of Gloucestershire’s new City Campus will host a series of inspiring and interactive events throughout the day. From thought-provoking panel discussions to community showcases, this indoor programme offers something for everyone. Whether you’re passionate about inclusion in sport, curious about Gloucester’s rich history, or looking to discover new ways to stay active, come inside to find out more.
Glos Girls Can: Celebrating local changemakers and inspiring the next generation (1:50pm – 2:40pm)
As part of the day, this inspirational panel event will be spotlighting local changemakers and women and girls in sport and physical activity. Featuring inspiring local voices and a male ally, the panel will explore real experiences, challenges, and the bold steps needed to create inclusive environments.
Panellists include:
Tash Neely – The Calm Club
Janice Oliver – Swim Design Space
Guy Stirling-Lee – Active Gloucestershire
Léla Thomas – SOH Fit
Mel Nichols – Dream Big
To find out more information and to book your free place, click below:
Community Sport and Wellbeing Hub (11am – 3pm)
Inside the City Campus foyer, visitors will find the Community Sport and Wellbeing Hub, showcasing local clubs and initiatives. Whether you’re looking to try something new or reconnect with a sport you love, this is the place to explore opportunities across Gloucestershire.
Participating organisations include: Blackbridge, Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation, Gloucester Hurricanes, Inspire Inclusion Sports, Cotswold Fencing Club, Severn Roller Torrent, Gloucester Rowing Club, and many more!
Community Sport & Wellbeing Hub (11am–3pm)
A vibrant marketplace with more than 20 local sports clubs and activity providers – from rowing and rugby to fencing and roller derby – all sharing opportunities for people to get active.
A Full Day of Rugby and Entertainment
The event will feature a giant outdoor screen broadcasting the Women’s Rugby World Cup, including the highly anticipated match between England’s Red Roses and Samoa. Fans can gather in Kings Square to enjoy world-class rugby in a lively and inclusive atmosphere.
Alongside the live action, attendees can explore a wide range of interactive rugby experiences:
🏉 Get involved with touch rugby sessions, walking rugby and other kids activities
🎤 History talks and club sessions in partnership with Gloucester History Festival, in the new University of Gloucestershire City Campus
🎶 Live music and entertainment from The Music Works
🥗 Street food from the amazing Gloucester Food Dock restaurants, with donations being made to the 4Ed Foundation.
Meet the Gloucester Rugby Team
Fans will also have the chance to meet members of the Gloucester Rugby squad, who will be making a special visit to Kings Square during the day. It’s a great opportunity to connect with the players, grab photos, and show your support for the team.
Live Music and Engaging Activities
Adding to the festival atmosphere, The Music Works will curate a full schedule of live music featuring talented local performers. Across Kings Square, there will be engaging hands-on activities suitable for all ages.
This incredible community event has been made possible thanks to the support of many brilliant organisations working together, including King’s Walk, Kings Square, Gloucester Food Dock, University of Gloucestershire, Active Gloucestershire and Gloucester Rugby. These are the partners powering Gloucester’s biggest summer celebration of rugby alongside headline sponsors Gloucester BID and Howden.
Event Details:
- Event: Kings Square Rugby Takeover
- Date: Saturday 30 August 2025
- Time: 10:30am – 7:00pm
- Location: Kings Square, Gloucester
- Admission: Free and open to all
Further details will be released soon, but make sure the date is marked in your diary and let’s celebrate the end of the summer break in style together.
