Rugby World Cup 2015 in our town

You cannot have helped but notice that the Rugby World Cup 2015 competition is about to start. Across the town street banners, lamppost banners and temporary flagpoles are visible and toblerone shaped information boards have been erected near the William Webb Ellis statue. Our town of Rugby has been awarded the unique 'Proud Home' designation which makes it equivalent to the eleven host cities where matches will be played and recognises Rugby as the birthplace of the game.

The eyes of the world will be on England during the competition with the opening ceremony and matches starting on 18 September and the final match and closing ceremony on 31 October. This will provide a very rare opportunity for Rugby to sell itself as the place where the game was born and to encourage visitors to spend time here with us.

A semi-permanent structure is being put up in the Old Market Place next to the John Barford Car Park. This will be a Fan Zone on match days with a giant screen to show most of the competition matches plus food and drink facilities and rugby fan activities. On non-match days it will become the Rugby Village where a range of rugby and cultural activities will take place all as part of the Enjoy Rugby Festival.

The Enjoy Rugby Festival runs from 12 September to 6 November. See www.enjoyrugby.co.uk .

A festival booklet has been delivered to most homes around Rugby and is available at the Town Hall and the Visitor's Centre in the foyer of Rugby Library, Museum and Art Gallery (Tel: 533217).