Summer Social 2014:

In 2010, mates Rob Westworth and Ed Kemp had a vision to fuse their two favourite things in life, rugby and music, and introduce a fresh concept to the UK festival scene. They called this event RugbyRocks...
Now in 2014, with the events rebranded as SUMMER SOCIAL, the company has established three festival events spanning the UK that attract over 12,000 spectators & participants – including their flagship event in Richmond.
Rugby, and particularly Rugby 7s – which will make its debut as an Olympic Sport in 2016 – was at the heart of the event at its inception and remains a major draw for spectators. International teams from across Europe as well as the top UK based specialist Rugby 7s teams compete for the elite competition each summer with the full England 7s team knocked out in the Quarter Finals of the 2013 competition.

Since it’s launch, the event has incorporated a variety of additional sports and in 2014 over 250 male and female teams will compete at rugby 7s, netball, volleyball and lacrosse competitions.

“We’ve seen huge growth in the participation element of the events, particularly since the buzz of the Olympics in 2012 and the announcement that the 2015 Rugby World Cup will be staged in the UK.”

But it isn’t all about the top level of sport, the grass roots are equally important to the success of these events. “That’s the great thing about these events – regardless of your ability there is a tournament to suit and once the sport is complete, win or lose everyone lets their hair down!”

We have many teams comprising social players and even the odd stag and hen party competing. Rob goes on to say “the play hard, party hard ethos in sport is definitely a prominent feature at these events.”

The events are so much more than just a sport festival; in 2013 we had as many spectators as we did participants including a lot of pro rugby and celebrities whom enjoy the event as their end of season social.

The main stage - which Rob describes as simply “epic” - is a 40m outdoor raised platform offering a 360 degree view of the artists. So if you don’t play sport or prefer the idea of partying in an outdoor Ibiza style garden party that would rival the biggest UK festivals Summer Social has plenty to keep you busy and entertained.

The music, which takes place all afternoon and late in to the night features a line up of some of the UK’s major up and coming talent such as Felon, Benji Boko, Joshua Roberts and Sharkbait as well as pro athletes who also rate themselves as DJ’s.

The London event takes place at the Richmond Athletic Ground(TW9) on 31 May. Tickets (from £15) and more info can be found online at www.summersocial.co.uk
Alternatively tweet the guys @rugbyrocks7s