THE annual May Day Bank Holiday sporting extravaganza that flies under the banner of the Abergavenny Mini and Junior Rugby Festival will this year be returning to the Usk Showground bigger, badder, and better than ever before.
So why not pull up a seat and join former Welsh International and the pundit with the poetry, Mr Eddie Butler, as he gives his own personal take on a festival that has fast become a runaway success.
It began with just three clubs on Raglan sports field in 2001. Now the Abergavenny Mini and Junior Rugby Festival fills 20 pitches on the vast expanse of the Usk Showground alongside the A449. Last year, 170 teams from 56 rugby clubs took part, and more than 10,000 people came through the gates, making it one of the biggest sporting events for children in Wales.
This year the festival, to be held over the May Bank Holiday weekend (May 1-2), is even bigger, with clubs from all over Wales, from England and, for the first time, Scotland. For the boys, there is the regular programme of competition from under 7s to under 16s, and for the girls, a third year of competition at under 15 and under 18 level, all played according to the Welsh Rugby Union's Pathway Rules for the various age groups. In the girls' section there will be clubs from England for the first time, while an entirely new feature is the women's 7-a-side tournament on the Saturday.
Over 3000 players are expected and the finishing touches are being applied to make this another outstanding success. Camping is available on the neighbouring fields - early booking is recommended, particularly for those travelling from afar, since this is an increasingly popular family option. Hot food is available throughout the day, plus ice cream, sweets and rugby clothing from stalls on site. There will be bouncy castles and face painting. For the adults, there will be traditional refreshments at the licensed bar, open by day and into the evening, when entertainment will be provided by The Big Mac Holly Soul band on Saturday, and by Red, along with The Doctor Rock Disco, on Sunday. The action - on the field - starts at 1030 am and goes on into late afternoon, with an awards ceremony at the end of the days' play.
Over the past four years, the event has been wonderfully supported by Ian Gough, the second row forward of the Ospreys and Wales. Each year Ian has brought along fellow internationals, Ryan Jones and James Hook to name but two. The guests spend the day mingling with players and supporters, signing autographs, having their photos taken and of course giving off the cuff advice to the budding stars of tomorrow.
The festival also supports the International Rugby Board's charity, SOS Kit Aid, that appeals for donations of kit and distributes it to children in emerging rugby countries all over the world. Graham Price of the legendary Pontypool Front Row works as an Ambassador to SOS and attends each year. Please bring all your stocks of unwanted kit for Graham to start recycling.