Kingswood Rugby Football Club (RFC) is gearing up for a vibrant summer, hosting three major events that showcase its inclusive ethos and deep community roots.
On July 12, Kingswood RFC will host what is expected to be the world’s largest Walking Rugby Festival at their Grimsbury Road Playing Field, welcoming over 500 participants from more than 50 teams across the UK. The event will feature an afternoon of non-contact rugby, alongside food stalls, live entertainment, and a celebration of the health, camaraderie, and community spirit that define the sport.
Walking rugby is a simplified, non-contact version of rugby union for all ages and abilities—if you can walk, you can play. It promotes teamwork, fitness, and social connection in a fun, low-impact format.
On Saturday July 19, Kingswood RFC will hold their Knights & Athenas Open Day. Boys and girls aged 4–18 are invited to try rugby in a fun, welcoming environment. All abilities are welcome as the club opens its doors to the next generation of players.
A third event is scheduled for August 16 – the Family Funday & Cider Festival. The club’s biggest fundraiser of the year features live music, food stalls, children’s rides, an Army climbing wall, and plenty of cider. All proceeds support rugby development and community programmes.
Ian Starr, Kingswood RFC chair, said: “Having been involved with this club for over a decade, I’ve witnessed firsthand the extraordinary growth and development that has transformed Kingswood RFC into one of the largest and most respected clubs in Bristol. It really is exciting times ahead at The Big K!”
Following its Platinum Jubilee, Kingswood RFC continues to thrive. With around 750 members and 23 teams, the club offers rugby for all – from minis to seniors, including touch, walking rugby, and the all-inclusive rugby (AIR) team for children with additional needs.
The club fields three senior men’s teams, a women’s team, and U18 academies for both genders. The Queens women’s team has grown from six to 51 players in just two years, earning promotion to National Challenge Level 3 (NC3). The men’s team is also building momentum after a recent promotion.
This year, Kingswood RFC was featured on BBC’s The One Show, Points West, and Radio Bristol. The club also welcomed its first official historian, who published a book celebrating its 70-year legacy. To mark the jubilee, Kingswood launched its own Platinum Wood and completed the first phase of its redevelopment, including two new changing rooms.
A standout moment was the Tour de Kingswood, a 48-hour cycling challenge that raised more than £6,500 for further redevelopment. More than 120 members cycled over 1,995 miles, showcasing the club’s unity and determination.
Ian Starr said: “We are more than just a rugby club. We’re a focal point of the community—a place where people from all walks of life come together. Our clubhouse hosts everything from charity fundraisers to local celebrations. We’ve worked hard to build a positive reputation, and that’s down to our incredible volunteers. There are so many people working tirelessly behind the scenes, and I couldn’t be more proud or thankful.”
To find out more details about Kingswood RFC visit: https://www.kingswoodrfc.co.uk/