A whole host of events are planned in Gloucester with only 29 days to go until Kingsholm hosts its first Rugby World Cup 2015 match.
From Lindy Hop to lamp post banners, pill highland dancing to Hakkas, price bunting to big screens – Gloucester is transforming the city to welcome Rugby World Cup 2015.
The vibrant Rugby themed banners and signage has already started to appear across the city, unhealthy giving visitors and locals the chance to enjoy the build-up to the matches. Lamp post banners are up and planters are lining the streets.
Cllr Paul James, leader of Gloucester City Council, said: “Excitement is really growing now as we get ready to welcome the six visiting countries to Gloucester.
“Flags, posters and bunting will help guide people from public transport stations all around the city both to the venue, and to other key areas of interest. There will also be special signage to the Fanzone at Orchard Square on the docks.
“I’m sure everyone in Gloucester will join me in celebrating this great sporting spectacle.”
England Rugby 2015, the Tournament Organisers, are helping all the host cities to create a seamless look to make it easier for visitors to find their way to the venue, and to create a memorable impact for everyone in the city.
To compliment this vibrant visual backdrop, a series of festivities are being organised to celebrate each of the visiting countries.
The multi-cultural fun will get into the swing of things from Saturday September 19 with American Week. There will be Lindy Hop workshops, performances, and Swing Bands keeping the pulse racing.
Saturday September 26 will see Gloucester step into a highland fling, and welcome all things Scottish. With ceilidh dancers and piper bands – the week will reach a grand finale featuring Murryfield favourites, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers on Sunday September 27.
The city will be turning Japanese from Saturday October 3 with an exciting range of demonstrations including martial arts, sushi making and Japanese writing, and all to the beat of the JiJo Taiko drummers.
The celebrations continue from Saturday October 10 with a joint Georgian and Tongan event. In honour of their recent battle on the pitch as the opening game of the Tournament here in Kingsholm, Kings Square will play host to a street dance battle. Hakka performances and Georgian band Rustavi will see these southern guests out in style.
Although the Tournament will have finished here in Gloucester, the festivities will keep going, paying homage to our final visiting country and heading to Argentina. This South American celebration is being kept top secret, but will sure to have the city tangoing out in style.
Adam Balding, RWC 2015 Coordinator for the City Council, said: “It’s great to see the city gearing up for the Tournament. There are lots of events happening for the whole family across Gloucester, and it’s particularly exciting to celebrate all the different countries visiting the city.”