Women's Rugby World Cup Fan Village

Starting from Thursday 21 August, until Saturday 23 August, a fan village will be located in Keel Square, right in the heart of the city centre.

Get in the party mood for the Ruby 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 a line up of female led musicians, through until 10pm that night. The evening will begin with a panel discussion on women in sport and music followed by a stage programme curated by Music City, featuring:

• Cortney Dixon - 5.30 - 6 pm
• Shannon Pearl - 6.20 - 7 pm
• Lottie Willis 7.20 - 8 pm
• Kay Greyson 8.20 - 9 pm
• Du Blonde 9.20 - 10.00 pm

On match day, the Fan Village in Keel Square in the heart of the city centre, 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 an exciting 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 DJ
• Mac Busted
• Re-Take That 
• Royal Rhapsody
• The Rock Choir

Ahead of the game, there'll also be a colourful community fan parade, accompanied by live music and street performers, leading fans on the short walk across to the Stadium of Light for the match

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.

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. With music, entertainment and family-friendly activities, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. From 10:00am to 3:00pm, enjoy a lively "ruck 'n' roll" experience with free entry.

From 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, immerse yourself in the action, energy, and community spirit. It's a day packed with fun for everyone, whether you're a rugby rookie or a seasoned rugby fan!

Art Cafe | Inside the Pavilion all week, featuring a stall and the Imaginarium — perfect for creative minds of all ages. Artists will guide entries for the Sunderland Art Festival Postcard Competition.

DJ Jamal | Spinning tunes from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Chris Cross the Magician | Thrilling stage shows at 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 1:30 pm

Hannah Graham | "Framing People" portraits from 10:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Bubble Entertainment | Mesmerising from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

Circurama Circus Skills | Free for all, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

Live Sketching | With Atlas Theatre, on the hour from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

Aria Movement | Aerial hoop free try-outs, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

Celebrate the spirit of rugby, community, and creativity at Keel Square — where the energy of the game continues with a lively festival of fun!

Bring the family, bring your friends, and bring the noise!

To stay up to date with all the latest news about the opening match of the Women's Rugby World Cup in Sunderland, visit: Rugby World Cup 2025 - MySunderland