Sevens pulling in the crowds (From Bournemouth Echo)

Sevens pulling in the crowds

7:00am Saturday 23rd May 2009 in

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RUGBY players, fans and enthusiasts are expected to descend on Chapel Gate today in large numbers for the second an-nual Bourne-mouth Sevens festival.

Star names, local talents, families and party-goers alike will flood into the town for the Daily Echo-backed showpiece, with at least 20,000 people set to make the most of the eagerly-anticipated, two-day event.

The inaugural festival, the brainchild of Bournemouth-based Diamond Sports Events director Roger Woodall, proved a big hit last summer.

But with an increased number of spectators and higher quality of teams on show this time round, organiser Woodall believes the event will be bigger and better.

He said: “Ticket sales have gone crazy and we’ve doubled in size.

“I hope the sun keeps shining and everyone has a fantastic and memorable experience at a unique festival.

“We’re lucky to have it in Bournemouth.”

With more rugby teams than any other tournament in the world – as well as live music and a national netball competition – the Bournemouth Sevens is the biggest festival of its kind.

And Woodall is encouraging local people to make the most of it, with some tickets still available to purchase on the gates, which open at 9.30am today and tomorrow.

“There will be lots of entertainment and lots for kids, parents and everyone to do,” he said.

“We want all local people to experience something special.”

The main event will be the National Invitation Cup, a competition which will showcase the skills of numerous international and top-flight rugby stars, while teams such as Bournemouth Lions and Oakmeadians will also compete for their place in the limelight in the South of England Cup.

Lions boss David Dunn is one of many rugby people keen to pay tribute to the Bournemouth Sevens festival, labelling it “wonderful, massive and huge”.

A number of celebrities are expected to join the big crowds, with top names such as Austin Healey, Bobby Skinstad, Danny Grewcock and Olly Barkley all set to attend.

The rugby tournament is made up of 132 teams, with a further 88 teams competing in the National Netball Festival, while the alternative entertainment includes a funfair, beer marquee and parachute displays.

Woodall is urging people to use taxis, get lifts or travel on the free shuttle bus from Bournemouth train station in order to avoid traffic, with just 2,000 parking spaces on site allocated on a first come, first served basis.