As the city gears up for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, which kicks off in August in the UK, pupils from Benfield Primary School brought a taste of the tournament to last weekend’s Children’s Parade.
The young supporters wore colours and carried emblems for the four national teams that are set to play matches at Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium this summer – England, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia.
From wallabies and shamrocks to ferns and red roses, the children worked with creatives from Same Sky to bring their ideas to life and give the parade a flavour of things to come.
Liz Heasman, class teacher at Benfield Primary School said: “We were thrilled to represent the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in the Children's Parade as our school community is passionate about the importance of women and girls in sport.
“Our pupils had a wonderful time celebrating this and were excited to play a role in promoting the Rugby World Cup through the ‘big makes’ and banners that they had made and then carried through the streets of Brighton.”
Council leader Bella Sankey added: “The children’s parade was its usual inspiring festival of colour and creativity.
"So, it was lovely to see the Benfield Primary School children sharing the excitement, getting behind the teams and looking forward to what promises to be a spectacular summer of sport in the city.”
The annual Children’s Parade, which marks the start of Brighton Festival, drew thousands of people onto the streets, with dozens of schools taking part.
The Brighton Business Improvement District (BID) has also adopted the essence of the Women’s Rugby World Cup This Energy Never Stops campaign in its summer city dressing that went up on key streets over the weekend.
Gavin Stewart, CEO of the BID, said: “Every year, city centre businesses pay for a stunning display of banners, bunting and hanging baskets to welcome visitors and locals.
“This year, we’re proud to be working with local artist Bella Gomez, who has designed banners for Western Road, North Street and Preston Street, as well as Bond Street Market Place.
"Look out for the standout designs capturing everything that’s great about our city, where the energy never stops.”
As the countdown towards the tournament continues, fans across the UK will have the chance to celebrate early as the prestigious trophy embarks on a nationwide tour. It arrives in Brighton on 17 May.
Full details on the trophy tour activities in the host locations will be released on the official Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 website and social media channels.
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 will see two matches played at Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium – England vs Australia, on September 6 and Ireland vs New Zealand on September 7.
Tickets have been selling fast, with the England match almost sold out.
