Rugby: Record crowds set for Bournemouth Sevens (From Bournemouth Echo)

Rugby: Record crowds set for Bournemouth Sevens

7:00am Friday 28th May 2010 in

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ROGER Woodall is predicting a “wonderful atmosphere” at the third annual Bournemouth Sevens festival – with record numbers expected to attend this weekend’s event.

The Daily Echo-backed showpiece looks set to attract crowds of around 20,000 to Chapel Gate, starting with the arrival of campers this afternoon.

Tomorrow sees the beginning of the festival proper, with top-quality rugby sevens sharing the stage with the National Netball Festival, live music and a host of other activities and entertainment.

Event organiser Woodall, director of Diamond Sports Events, believes there will be a “really nice vibe” for those making the trip to the south coast to enjoy.

He told the Echo: “The numbers have gone through the roof. After the success of the past two years, the word is out that it is a fun festival to be at.

“Camping, VIP and V.VIP are sold out. Everything is teed-up for an awesome festival. Fingers crossed for the weather – that’s the one thing which is out of our hands.”

Since its first appearance on the sporting calendar, the festival has grown hugely, from 96 to 300 teams and 12,000 to 20,000 people.

Woodall added: “I’m as excited as you can get about putting on the festival. I’ve been working on it for 36 months solid now and I can’t wait.

“I love seeing people’s faces and everyone leaving with a great feeling of the time they’ve had. I’m looking forward to the day – with the rugby, netball and a lot of celebrities.

“Twenty-thousand people are turning up and about 70 to 80 per cent of those will be in fancy dress and having fun. It’s a really nice vibe and it will be a wonderful atmosphere.”

Partygoers and spectators will rub shoulders with celebrities at the event, with the likes of Austin Healey, Will Carling and DJ Spoony all poised to attend.

And while live music will come to the fore tomorrow evening and on Sunday night, the rugby action will be centre stage for the rest of the weekend, particularly on Sunday afternoon when the tournament finals take place.

The South West Cup always provides fierce competition, with Bournemouth Lions and Oakmeadians usually the major contenders for the regional crown.

Meanwhile, some of the leading players on the sevens circuit are lined up to compete in the high quality National Invitation Cup.

Some tickets are still available to purchase on the gate. For further information on the event and to view video footage of previous festivals, visit bournemouthsevens.com