Summer festival celebrates rugby

There is guaranteed fun to be had on Sunday 19th July at Exeter Quay and the Piazza for the 3rd annual Active Exeter Summer Festival.

Each year hundreds of people come along to enjoy the free activities on offer, but this year there is a playful twist to the event. It may not have escaped people’s notice that in less than 80 days time, the South West will host rugby teams from around the world as Exeter transforms into a Rugby World Cup host city.

To celebrate this momentous tournament, for one year only, the Active Exeter Summer event becomes a Festival of Rugby celebration, so people will not only have a huge range of taster sports and activities on offer, but they will also be able to soak up the pre-tournament atmosphere as excitement builds towards Exeter’s important role as a host city. However, events are in no way restricted to just rugby.

There are many diverse activities on offer, most of which are free or with a nominal charge. The glorious and historic surroundings of Exeter Quay and Piazza will come alive with families and people of all ages trying out different taster sports and activities as the people of Exeter show the world that they are serious about getting and staying active.

As well as touch rugby, rugby union and the chance of meeting local rugby clubs to showcase some of the exciting local rugby opportunities, there will be martial arts, canoeing, tennis, hockey, Frisbee, dance, football, outdoor adventure activities and lots of mini sport challenges. The event is designed to appeal to all ages, with the aim of encouraging many more people to try out and get involved in healthy activities and make informed, healthier lifestyle choices.

Following the success of the scheme last year, once again there will be a PasSPORT system in place for under 18’s.

Young people can pick up a PaSPORT from Active Devon, take a tour around the participating activity providers and accumulate stamps in their PaSPORT.

The first 100 young people to get four or more stamps will earn themselves a free goodie bag. But once they are gone, they’re gone, so get down early – the fun starts at 11 am and runs all day until 4pm.

“Active Exeter is a dynamic partnership of a wide range of sports clubs, health organisations, National Governing Bodies and local activity providers. We are grateful for all their support in getting the people of Exeter active” said Katy Leonard from Active Devon. “This is one of the highlights of our events calendar because so many people love the choice of activities on offer and the location. It helps to move us one step closer to Active Devon’s goal of Everyone in Devon Active for Life!”