A RUGBY festival has been launched ahead of a summer event this year.
The inaugural Brighton 7s Festival was launched at Brighton's i360 yesterday, ahead of the festival in June.
It will see Rugby 7s combined with music and an industry-leading conference and will take place across the University of Brighton and the Amex from June 25 to 26, 2022.
The event yesterday saw seven rugby players, from a diverse range of clubs, conduct rugby training drills during a flight in the i360's pod.
It also saw the first two of the rugby sides announced. The Ramblin' Jesters, an elite-level invitational rugby 7s side, has confirmed that both male and female teams will be competing whilst international outfit the Philippines Volcanoes are set to make an appearance.
Festival director Ben McNamara said: "Brighton is the perfect city to host rugby 7s - 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.”
The festival is also broadcasting the event, in another industry first, using an Over The Top (OTT) platform to live stream the rugby 7s, music, and conference, simultaneously.
The platform, provided by Hopin, allows viewers to comment live during the broadcast, and switch between different stages throughout the weekend, from anywhere in the world.
McNamara added: “The supply-chain was forced to re-invent itself during the past 18 months, and we’ve seen an increase in affordable broadcast platforms that enable us to showcase Brighton 7s Festival to the world, while making it incredibly engaging for fans of both rugby and music.
"We can provide a truly global experience, that has typically only been available to the big industry players."
The rugby 7s element of the festival will consist of an professional and amateur competition, taking place across both days.
The "Grow The Game Conference" at Brighton 7s Festival will see a weekend-long rugby conference taking place in the Amex.
Leading names from the rugby and sporting industry will discuss the future of the game.
Brighton 7s Festival will also hopes to bridge the gap between entertainment and sport, through its music festival.
The music is provided by leading independent bands from the city that are making waves in the international scene but have been held back due to Covid-19.
Tickets are now available for this year's event, with in-person tickets starting from £55 with access to the rugby, music and conference.
Or full livestream access for both days of the festival for only £25. Tickets are available at www.brighton7sfestival.com
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