One month to go - your guide to the Women's Rugby World Cup in Sunderland

There’s just one month to go until Stadium of Light hosts the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup opener and the Beacon of Light is excited to play our part in welcoming the world to Sunderland.

While the Beacon will not play its usual Sunderland AFC matchday role of hosting the Fan Zone – head to Keel Square instead for your pre-match activities – we will still play our part in the behind-the-scenes matchday operations.

England will take on USA in the World Cup curtain raiser and we would encourage all across Sunderland to support the event as the city is showcased on the international stage.

Promising a family-friendly atmosphere and a chance to see top-level women’s sport, there will be plenty going on across Sunderland whether you're heading to the match or unable to attend. 

Looking forward to watching world class international rugby? As we count down to the big match on 22 August, here's what you need to know to make the most of everything happening across the city:

Where and when can I see the opening match?

Sunderland's Stadium of Light is the place to be at 7:30pm on Friday, 22 August for the thrilling opening match of the biggest Women's Rugby World Cup tournament in history.

Which teams are playing in the opening match?

England’s Red Roses will be taking on the USA, with England favourites to win the tournament after last winning the World Cup in 2014, when South Shields born University of Sunderland graduate Katy Daley McLean captained the team.  

The opening match will also feature a pre-match performance from pop sensation Anne-Marie, best known for hits ‘2002’, ‘Friends’ and ‘Rockabye’.

What else is happening in the city that day?

On match day, the Keel Square Fan Village is open from 9am, offering a host of food, drink, interactive walkabout characters and rugby-themed activities including pass speed and accuracy challenges, jump height tests, and a reaction wall, making it the perfect hub for fans to gather before and after the big match. 

While you're there, why not visit Keel Edge just across the road from Keel Square where you'll find an exciting rugby themed immersive and interactive light installation, along with additional seating and a bar.

Visitors to the free Fan Village can also look forward to live music throughout the day with tribute performances from:

• Rock DJ
• Mac Busted
• Re-Take That 
• Royal Rhapsody
• The Rock Choir

Ahead of the game, there'll also be a colourful community fan parade, accompanied by live music and street performers, leading fans on the short walk across to the Stadium of Light for the match. Want to get involved? The Creative Seed are looking for groups, individuals and volunteer stewards to join the parade, contact: creativeseedparades@carnivalhouse.co.uk

Following the big match, the day will end with a spectacular firework display over the river at approximately 10:15pm. 

Where's the best place to see the fireworks?

While it will be possible to see the fireworks from both sides of the river, the best place to see them is from the Fan Village in Keel Square.

Free Wi-Fi

You can take advantage of Sunderland's free Superfast Wi-Fi covering the city centre and seafront. Download the app and save your date via the following link: Free Sunderland Wi-Fi - MySunderland

Sunderland App

Sunderland City Council's city wide Sunderland App can help you to get the best out of the city by getting all the latest updates on local events and attractions. From cosy cafes to gourmet restaurants, navigate your way around the city using interactive maps and unlock exclusive deals and discounts: The Sunderland App - MySunderland 

It's also worth checking out www.mysunderland.co.uk which is a one-stop-shop for everything you need to know about our ‘city of surprises’ - from everything you can experience while you're here to the best places to eat and drink.

Where can I get tickets?

Tickets for the tournament are competitively priced from £10 for adults and £5 for children. This means a family of four can enjoy an evening at the Women's Rugby World Cup Opening Game for £30.

Grab your tickets now at: tickets.rugbyworldcup.com

You can also find out more about the Women's Rugby World Cup and how to get involved in free rugby activities in Sunderland at: Rugby World Cup 2025 - MySunderland 

What else is happening in the city in the week running up to the game?

Wednesday 20 August - Seaburn Beach Festival 

A beach festival at Seaburn will kick start the build-up to an exciting weekend in the city! Head to Seaburn Beach from 2 pm on Wednesday 20 August where Newcastle Rugby Foundation will be taking over the sandy stretch opposite the promenade from 2pm, and there are two key slots that the public can join for free:  

• 4 - 5:30pm – Open Girls Rugby Session  - Girls aged 11–18 are invited to come along and try rugby in a relaxed, fun beach setting. No experience needed – just REGISTER HERE: http://bit.ly/3H2hf26 enjoy the game, with coaching from special guest coaches
• 5:30 - 8pm – Beach Touch Rugby Festival - As the sun sets over Seaburn, take part in a mixed ability, age, and gender touch rugby festival. Whether you’re a seasoned player or trying it for the first time, this session is all about fun, community, and getting active together. REGISTER A TEAM: https://www.newcastlerugbyfoundation.co.uk/wrwc-countdown/

There will also be free giveaways, live entertainment, face painters, balloon modellers, special guests and fun for all ages. You can grab food and drinks at the after party/social taking place in a private area within STACK Seaburn, overlooking the beach.  

Seaburn Beach Festival is the final event in a series of beach festivals held across the North East in the lead-up to the tournament. It has been organised by Newcastle Rugby Foundation in partnership with the North East Combined Authority. 

Thursday 21 August - Keel Square Fan Village

Get in the party mood for the Rugby World Cup by visiting the free Fan Village in Keel Square in the heart of the city centre when it opens at 4pm on Thursday, featuring a line-up of female led musicians until 10pm that night. The evening will begin with a panel discussion on women in sport and music followed by a stage programme curated by Music City, featuring:

• Cortney Dixon – 5:30 - 6pm
• Shannon Pearl – 6:20 - 7pm
• Lottie Willis 7:20 - 8pm
• Kay Greyson 8:20 - 9pm
• Du Blonde 9:20 - 10pm

Saturday 23 August

Celebrations continue on Saturday, 23 August, as Sunderland BID relocates the popular Sunniside Food Market to Keel Square for a day-long festival of local talent and creativity. With music, entertainment and family-friendly activities, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Attractions on the day include:

• Circurama’s circus workshops and performances
• Victoria Armstrong’s interactive bubble act
• Chris Cross, the North East’s own magician
• Aria Art & Movement’s aerial hoop taster sessions
• A bustling art market and free craft activities
• Outdoor drawing classes with the Atlas Theatre Company 
• Live music from 10am to 3pm, curated by Sunderland Music City

To stay up to date with all the latest news about the opening match of the Women's Rugby World Cup in Sunderland, visit: Rugby World Cup 2025 - MySunderland