A youth and senior rugby festival, live music from the Territorial Army Band of the Mercian Regiment, the Sambassadors of Groove and a Fireworks Display are just some of the exciting things happening on Sunday May 10^th 2009 at 'The Charity Rugby Festival and Concert'  at Old Leamingtonians RFC. 

The event is being held at the Club Grounds,  which the local community is invited to attend, and which will include a number of family attractions and charity stalls. 

The free festival and concert is being put on in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund - the Soldier's Charity and Combat Stress, with all donations on the day going to both charities to help those soldiers and their families who need support.

Chairman of Old Leamingtonians, Brian Canning explained: "We are thrilled to be able to invite the public to this free festival and concert. There is something for everyone on the day and it has been put on in aid of such a great cause that we hope everyone who comes along will not only enjoy the day, but will also donate generously.  We are dedicating the Event to the memories of Private Joe Whittaker and Trooper James Munday, both of whom were accomplished sportsmen in the fields of Hockey and Rugby Football. Our club motto is 'Sporting Community Spirit' and we hope this is reflected in our desire to hold this Charity event, invite the community at large to participate, and to honour the memory of these fine young men"

The Controller of the ABF, Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter, explained: "As ‘The Soldiers Charity', the ABF provides vital financial help to the heartbroken families of those lost and the hundreds of soldiers who have suffered psychological and physical injuries whilst serving their country. The casualty figures from the Army's operations in Iraq and Afghanistan make for very sobering reading and today, more than ever, we need the public to give generously to care for those who need our help."

The Director of Fundraising and Communications for Combat Stress, Robert Marsh, explains that the efforts of the team at Old Leamingtonians Rugby Club couldn't come at a better time:

"Last year alone we received 1,160 new referrals, and we've got to raise £3.6 million in donations this year just to meet current demand. Every penny raised for Combat Stress really will make a difference to the veterans who turn to us for treatment and support".

Guinness Premiership Rugby Club, Northampton Saints are helping to make sure the day runs smoothly by providing support on the day through their Community Rugby team.

The timetable for the rugby festival and concert:

10.00 - 13.00 Event opens and Girls tag rugby festival

13.00 - Territorial Army Band of the Mercian Regiment play

14.00 - 15.30 Old Leamingtonians RFC 10s Men's and Ladies tournament featuring Army 10's squads and selected local 10s sides

15. 00 - 15.30 Shirley Pipe Band and Drums play during interval

15.30 - 17.30 second half of the OLs 10s festival

18.00 - Evening band concert commences - featuring Harvey, Time after Time and Sambassadors of Groove. 

22.00 - Firework Display and Event Close 

Food and drinks will be on sale from 10am until the event closes.

OLRFC members - please support this event - a box for donated raffle prizes will be in the club house - please give generously.

For more details please contact OLRFC Press Liaison Officer Nick Crighton on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or Event Project Manager Mike Vallance on 07825 889624.

If your company would like to sponsor this event or have an advertising hoarding pitchside in time for this event please call Hannah Leyland 07912943412.