Timings for bumper weekend in Sunderland: World Cup fan village, Keel Crossing opening and more
The eyes of the rugby world will be on Sunderland this weekend as the biggest ever Women’s Rugby World Cup kicks off on Wearside.
There’s a whole host of activities planned to mark the major sporting event - even the new Keel Crossing will open for a day to allow fans to get to and from the city centre to the Stadium of Light more easily.
The sporting action kicks off on Friday night, August 22, at the stadium when England’s Red Roses take on USA, with a big opening performance from pop star Anne-Marie.
More than 40,000 tickets have already been sold, but some are still available here https://www.mysunderland.co.uk/rugbyworldcup
Presenters from the One Show will join the thousands of fans, arriving in Sunderland on Thursday to trail the international tournament.
Stars from the world of rugby, including Jodie Ounsley also known as Fury from the BBC show Gladiators, as well as Ugo Monye and Maggie Alfonse, will be broadcasting from Sunderland on Thursday, as the countdown begins for what will be the best-attended Women’s World Cup game in history, beating the last final at Eden Park in New Zealand.
Here’s what’s happening in the lead up to the big game:
Thursday 21 August - Keel Square Rugby World Cup Fan Village
Get in the party mood for the Rugby World Cup by visiting the free Fan Village in Keel Square in the heart of the city centre when it opens at 4pm on Thursday, featuring an all female line up of musicians, through until 10pm that night. T,
The evening will begin with a panel discussion on women in sport and music at 4pm followed by a stage programme curated by Music City, featuring:
- Cortney Dixon - 5.30pm - 6pm
- Shannon Pearl - 6.20pm - 7pm
- Lottie Willis 7.20pm - 8pm
- Kay Greyson 8.20pm - 9pm
- Du Blonde 9.20pm - 10pm
Friday 22 August - Keel Square Rugby World Cup Fan Village
On match day, the Fan Village in Keel Square is open from 9am, offering a host of food, drink, interactive walkabout characters and rugby-themed activities including pass speed and accuracy challenges, jump height tests, and a reaction wall, making it the perfect hub for fans to gather before and after the big match.
While you're there, why not visit Keel Edge just across the road from Keel Square where you'll find a rugby-themed immersive and interactive light installation, along with additional seating and a bar.
Visitors to the free Fan Village can also look forward to live music throughout the day with tribute performances from:
- Rock Choir - 11am - 11.40am
- Rock DJ - 12noon - 12.45pm
- Mac Busted 1pm - 1.45 pm
- BBC Introducing - 2pm - 2.45pm
- Re-Take That - 3pm - 3.45pm
- Royal Rhapsody - 4pm - 4.45pm
Keel Crossing opening
The new Keel Crossing will also be open to the public from 10.30am on Friday, August 22.
Although it’s not been confirmed when the new River Wear bridge will open permanently, it will welcome the public for the tournament’s opening game, enabling fans to easily make their way to the Stadium of Light.
The bridge will open for the full day on August 22.
At the end of the day, the bridge will be closed to allow the final phase of cosmetic works to be completed before it is officially opened for day-to-day use.
Fan parade & fireworks
More than 500 people, from babes in arms to people in their 80's along with sports and dance groups, will take part in a high energy community parade ahead of kick off for the big game on Friday.
Expect a massive spectacle of colour and sound with a real carnival feel, with flags, brightly coloured costumes with big feathered wings, elaborate headdresses, seahorses, not forgetting lots of sparkles and sound.
Accompanied by the Spark Drummers and four sound systems, the parade - lasting around 30-45 minutes - sets off from the back of City Hall at 4.45pm before making its way up High Street West to Keel Square where each of the dance groups will do a brief performance before heading across the new Keel Crossing followed by thousands of rugby fans heading for the big match.
The parade is expected to last around an hour, finishing at the stadium at 5.45pm
Following the big match, the day will end with a spectacular firework display over the river at approximately 10.15 pm.
While it will be possible to see the fireworks from both sides of the river, the best place to see them is from the Fan Village in Keel Square.
Saturday 23 August - Keel Square Rugby World Cup Fan Village
Celebrations continue on Saturday, 23 August, as Sunderland BID relocates the popular Sunniside Food Market to Keel Square for a day-long festival of local talent and creativity.
Attractions on the day include:
- Sunniside Food Market - 10am - 3pm
- DJ Jamal - 11am to 3pm
- Chris Cross Magic - 11.30am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm
- Hannah Graham Portraits 10 am - 3pm
- Bubble Entertainment - 11am - 3pm
- Circurama Circus Skills 11am - 4pm
- Sketching with Atlas Theatre Company - 11am -3pm
- Aria Movement’s aerial hoop taster sessions - 11am -3pm