**Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025: Fan Zones Set to Bring Celebrations to England’s Host Cities**
Rugby fans across England are gearing up for an unforgettable Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, as eight official fan zones have now been revealed by tournament organisers. With the competition running from 22 August to 27 September next year, the nationwide fan zones are poised to transform key urban areas into lively festival hubs, promising a unique atmosphere that welcomes everyone, from seasoned supporters to newcomers keen to experience the sport’s growing appeal.
At the centre of these festivities, London’s landmark Battersea Power Station will serve as the flagship fan zone throughout the tournament. Running from 13 to 27 September, the riverside venue will host an extensive programme of events and activities in partnership with Ocean Outdoor, including live screenings of matches, appearances by DJs, coaching sessions designed to introduce rugby to new audiences, and a raft of community initiatives. Supporters will also be treated to a selection of stalls offering food and drink, alongside interactive activities led by the tournament’s official partners.
Sarah Massey, the managing director of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, expressed her excitement about the broader accessibility being offered, highlighting the free admission to all fan zones on match days and throughout the six-week tournament. “We want everyone to feel the energy of this tournament – whether they’ve followed rugby for years or are encountering the sport for the first time,” Massey commented. She emphasised the drive to give fans, local communities, and visitors alike a true sense of ownership and participation in the momentous event.
Raising the profile of women’s sport within the capital, London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan was keen to stress the city’s role in championing gender equality in athletics. “London is privileged to host the Women’s Rugby World Cup, one of the marquee events of the year. Battersea Power Station’s fan zone promises a spectacular showcase, merging sport and culture and inviting Londoners as well as global visitors to share in the excitement,” he said. Khan reasserted his vision of London as the “undisputed global capital for women’s sport in 2025,” hoping to inspire progress through visibility and community engagement.
Adding further colour to the celebrations, the interim CEO of Battersea Power Station Development Company, Sam Cotton, extended an invitation to locals and tourists alike. He described the iconic site as an ideal setting for fans to come together and soak up family-friendly entertainment, while also enjoying the wider amenities of the riverside neighbourhood, including shopping, dining, and leisure opportunities.
Kevin Henry, Head of Content and Sponsorship at Ocean Outdoor, echoed these sentiments, pointing out the venue’s ability to capture the public imagination. “Battersea Power Station offers a truly world-class canvas to project women’s rugby front and centre,” said Henry, underscoring the ambition to attract new fans and inspire a generation of women and girls to become more involved in sport.
Elsewhere across England, the spirit of the tournament will resonate far beyond the capital. Sunderland is set to welcome supporters to Keel Square for a dynamic opening weekend, blending local music, digital interactives, and culinary delights in collaboration with its Music City and Food Festival events. Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens will come alive on match weekends, spotlighting grassroots rugby, diverse street food, and ample family activities as part of the city’s MCR Live 25 celebration.
In Northampton, Market Square will host themed events with live music and sports challenges, while Bristol’s Amphitheatre will present an array of community-focused features such as a rugby “have-a-go” zone, craft activities, and a special area for kicking conversions. Exeter’s Princesshay Shopping Centre will be bustling daily with branded matches and live music, creating a festival feel that spans the entire duration of the tournament. Brighton & Hove will bring sport and creativity together at Victoria Gardens, with interactive workshops, games, and sporting demonstrations for all ages.
While York won’t host a city-centre fan zone, organisers have ensured that fans attending matches at the stadium will benefit from exclusive matchday plazas and activations, providing an immersive experience for ticket holders.
With over 330,000 tickets already snapped up and affordable entry options starting at £5 for children and £10 for adults, enthusiasm is building for what promises to be the biggest celebration of women’s rugby ever staged in England. Official schedules and further details for each host city’s fan zone can be found on the tournament’s website, encouraging all supporters to book early and secure their place in rugby history.