Features

Amex Stadium to host innovative rugby festival

Brighton’s Amex Stadium will host a first-of-its-kind rugby festival this summer, with the event set to include a sevens competition, an industry-leading conference and a music festival.

The inaugural Brighton 7s Festival will also incorporate the nearby University of Brighton and is scheduled to take place on the weekend of June 25-26. The festival was unveiled earlier today (Monday) at Brighton’s landmark i360 viewing pod.

The launch event saw seven rugby players from a range of clubs conduct training drills during a flight on the i360’s pod. The event also saw the Ramblin’ Jesters and the Philippines Volcanoes confirmed as the first two teams that will take part in the Brighton 7s Festival.

The sevens element of the festival will feature an elite and amateur competition, taking place across both days. Teams from around the world are set to compete at the Amex Stadium, which primarily serves as the home of Premier League football club Brighton & Hove Albion but also hosted matches during the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Festival director Ben McNamara said: “Brighton is the perfect city to host rugby sevens – both are inclusive, entertaining, and global in their reach. However, what makes Brighton 7s Festival really special is the platform it provides for up-and-coming bands, rugby teams, and leaders in sport to challenge convention.

“It’s an opportunity for fans to discover something innovative and inspirational, and I’m incredibly excited to share all those who will be leading the way at Brighton 7s Festival in 2022.”

Music at the festival, which is being supported by Visit Brighton, will be provided by leading independent bands from the city. The Electric Chandelier Stage will also showcase DJs and performers from the LGBTQ+ scene.

An OTT platform will be used to stream live coverage of the festival. The platform will be provided by Hopin and will allow viewers to comment live during the broadcast and switch between different stages.

In-person tickets for the event will start from £55 (€65/$74). A full livestream of the festival will be available for £25.

Image: Brighton 7s Festival/lbphoto.uk