Rugby's spectacular summer Festival on The Close returns for 2026!

Jun 13
3 min read

Rugby’s Festival on The Close, In support of the Bradby Boys Club takes place from 20-25 June 2026.

Preview

Set against the stunning backdrop of Rugby School, this year's Festival on the Close promises an unforgettable season of world-class entertainment, featuring everything from laugh-out-loud comedy and incredible live music to family favourites and unmissable special events. Gather your friends, bring the family, and make memories under the summer sky – because Festival on The Close is back, bigger and better than ever.

See the website for a full run down of entertainment and booking details. Amongst the great line up are:

Michael Rosen. NICE! Temple Speech Room. Saturday 20 June 6pm

Poetry legend Michael Rosen celebrates his 80th birthday with a brand-new live show!Michael looks back at a lifetime in poetry, performing beloved classics including Hot Food, No Breathing and Chocolate Cake, along with never-before-heard poems from his new collection Peas On Your Knees. NICE! Is a show for all ages, from the young to the young at heart.

Manford's Comedy Club with Sara Pascoe on Saturday 20 June, 8pm

Get ready for an uproarious night of comedy in support of The Bradby Club, headlined by the brilliantly funny Sara Pascoe and hosted by the sharp-witted Nina Gilligan, alongside a carefully curated Manford’s Comedy Club line-up guaranteed to deliver big laughs from start to finish. Expect huge laughs, brilliant storytelling and an electric atmosphere - this is one night out you won’t want to miss. Line up features: MC Nina Gilligan, Karen Bayley, Sharifa Butterfly, Sara Pascoe.

Juke Ibiza Orchestra, Sunday 21 June 8pm

Join the sensational 18-piece Juke Ibiza Orchestra for an unforgettable night of euphoric dance anthems and club classics. Step into the spirit of the White Isle as iconic tracks from the 90s and 00s by Fatboy Slim, The Chemical Brothers, Faithless, Daft Punk, Ian Van Dahl and The Prodigy are reimagined live on stage, brought to life by a powerhouse orchestra and some of the UK’s leading vocalists, fronted by conductor and performer Joe Ringer. Fresh from performances at major venues across the UK and Europe, this electrifying show promises a high-energy celebration of the music that defined a generation. Get ready to dance the night away.

Teach Rex Live Monday 22 June 6pm

Following thousands of 5-star reviews and hundreds of sold-out shows across the UK, the award-winning Teach Rex team are bringing their spectacular interactive dinosaur experience to Festival on The Close. Using highly realistic dinosaurs, the 1-hour show takes audiences on a thrilling prehistoric journey, exploring the anatomy and life of these incredible creatures. Delivered by qualified primary school teachers and enhanced with sound, music and effects, this immersive experience offers children and families the chance to get up close to the iconic T-Rex while busting myths and uncovering fascinating facts along the way.

She’s Got Brass, Monday 22 June 8pm.

London’s sensational all-female brass collective She’s Got Brass brings their electrifying live show to Festival on The Close for an unforgettable night of high-energy music, bold brass and pure feel-good vibes. Famed for their explosive reimaginings of classic tracks and original material, the band have lit up stages at Glastonbury, Boomtown, Wilderness, Shambala and beyond, earning a reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting live acts. Championing diversity and inclusion, their lineup reflects the richness of London itself, with members proudly representing LGBTQ+, Afro-Caribbean and Latina heritage.

Fresh from major festival appearances and high-profile residencies with Arsenal Women’s Football Club and the Vitality Roses Netball Team, this is a powerhouse performance guaranteed to get you dancing from the first note to the last.

A Night At The Opera with London Festival Opera, Tuesday 23 June 8pm.

Experience an unforgettable evening with London Festival Opera, featuring celebrated arias and ensembles from the great works of Mozart, Rossini, Verdi, Bizet, Puccini, Offenbach, Gilbert & Sullivan and more. Performed in sumptuous period costume, the production recreates the grandeur and glamour of a bygone age, bringing timeless stories vividly to life on stage. Featuring distinguished artists from leading companies including the Royal Opera, ENO and Glyndebourne alongside exceptional young singers, this acclaimed company has performed across the UK, Europe and beyond. With exquisite vocals, elegant staging and engaging spoken introductions, the evening blends passion, drama and humour. Praised as “outstanding singers” (The Sunday Times) and “opera at its very best” (Oxford Times), this is a captivating experience for both devoted opera lovers and complete newcomers alike.