Rugby's Festival on the Close!

Festival on the Close, Rugby runs from 21 – 26 June 2025. Supporting Cancer Research UK and Bradby Club.

It’s almost time for Rugby’s Festival on the Close! From 21 – 26 June, Rugby School’s stunning grounds will be transformed into a buzzing cultural hub with arts, community, music, comedy, dance and more. You can look forward to an eclectic line-up of professional live performances, all taking place in the specially-built Macready outdoor arena.

World-class talent will be brought right to your doorstep with headline acts including Manford’s Comedy Club featuring Maisie Adam and Babatunde Aleshe; the BBC Big Band presenting Swing Legends, and The Horne Section.

Here's some of the highlights:

Saturday 21 June, 8pm. Manford's Comedy Club with Maisie Adam and Babatunde Aleshe. Enjoy an uproarious night of comedy right here at Festival on The Close. Guaranteed laugh-out-loud moments from start to finish. Line up: MC Barry Dodds, Babatunde Aleshe, Charlie Lewis, Maisie Adam.

Sunday 22 June, 8pm. Jo Whiley DJ Set supported by Stringfever. Jo Whiley is one of the most iconic voices in British broadcasting, known for her dynamic career on television and as a beloved DJ on BBC Radio 2. With her infectious energy and expert music curation, she has become a favourite among listeners.  Jo brings this joy to her live DJ sets, where she spins an eclectic mix of massive singalong anthems, party hits, indie classics, and pop gems. Her sets are a celebration of feel-good vibes, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that gets crowds dancing and singing along in an instant.

Monday 23 June, 8pm. BBC Big Band present Swing Legends. Join the internationally acclaimed BBC Big Band and conductor Barry Forgie for a celebration the very finest in big band and swing. Widely regarded as one the world’s leading Jazz Orchestras, The BBC Big Band continues to delight audiences around the world through their broadcasts on BBC Radio as well the limited number of live performances they give at some of the country’s most prestigious venues.

Tuesday 24 June, 8pm. The Horne Section. They have two series of their own Channel 4 TV show, an iTunes-chart-topping podcast and now they’re tuning up their instruments once more to come to Festival on The Close, Rugby: it’s the Horne Section’s HitShow!

Tickets are now on sale – why not treat yourself to a main stage discount pass – this is your golden ticket, giving you discounted entry to every 8pm main stage show. Details: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/thefestivalontheclose/

Discover more: https://thefestivalontheclose.co.uk/