The Commonwealth Games isn’t the only festival of sport taking place in the UK this summer. From 12th – 15thAugust, more than 30 international and national sportsmen and women will welcome hundreds of families for a full weekend of family fun in the spectacular surrounds of Holkham Park, Norfolk.
Festival of Sport is co-founded by international rugby legends Will Greenwood and Austin Healey. They’ve teamed up to share their passion for sport with youngsters and their families by offering a unique opportunity to spend time together and try dozens of sports in the same place across one long weekend.
“We can’t wait for this year’s Festival of Sport – it’s going to be even bigger and better than last year,” says co-founder Will. “It’s such a good opportunity for youngsters to improve on their existing skills as well as try completely new sports, with a complete package of fun for the whole family – I don’t think there’s anywhere else that you could have that same experience all in three days.”
Confirmed stars of the sporting world attending for the first time this year include Olympic hockey gold medallists Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh, former England cricket captain Andrew Strauss, rower Alan Campbell and freestyle footballer Charlotte Lade-Rogers. All legends actively participate throughout the weekend, coaching and playing alongside youngsters – and even their accompanying adults, with special Grownups vs Legends games.
The festival gives youngsters the chance to hone their skills in their favourite sports and try out completely new disciplines. New sports for this year include Pentathlon GB’s Laser Run, lacrosse and Wheels Extreme with skateboarding and inline skating.
The ethos that “no one gets left on the bench” underpins the whole weekend so there’s something for everyone and fun for all. The event kicks off on Friday evening with a warm welcome (last year Austin was giving out ice lollies at the entrance to the car park!) and open-air cinema. Both Saturday and Sunday daytimes are packed with sessions ranging from rugby, football, cricket, netball and hockey, to kayaking, martial arts, boxing, archery and trampolining, as well as fun runs, exhibitions and showcases. After the sports sessions, focus shifts to the main stage with live bands and DJs to keep the fun going.
While the sports programme is aimed largely at five to 17-year-olds, there are plenty of activities for pre-schoolers, including baby gym sessions and dance classes, and adults can take part in yoga classes, listen to expert talks or enjoy a sports massage.
To complete the festival vibe, there will be a food village offering the best in locally sourced and produced street food, live bands on both Saturday and Sunday nights and the chance to camp on-site, either in your own tent or campervan, or in a range of glamping options from bell tents to Airstream trailers.
Tickets for the full weekend are priced at £370 (1 adult + 1 child aged 5-17 years). Additional adult tickets £160, additional child tickets £210. Under-5s go free. Tickets include access to the event and full programme of sports sessions for all children plus entertainment on all three nights. Accommodation on-site starts at £70 for three nights for a tent or campervan pitch, ready-erected bell tents from £250 (3 nights, up to 6 sharing).
Day tickets are also now available, priced at £185 for one adult and one child, with additional children £105 each and additional adults £85.
All images © Festival of Sport
