CREATIVE artists have won a national award for the best events staged in a park during the UK’s Rugby World Cup celebrations.
A ‘yarn bombing’ day held in Caldecott Park by Rugby Borough Council and arts collective Kookooshaboo was named the best Have a Field Day event staged during the Festival of Rugby.
As part of the Rugby’s Got Balls project, artists from the group joined forces with a host of community organisations to cover their giant rugby ball sculpture, trees and benches with specially knitted and crocheted pieces of yarn.
The council’s environment spokeswoman Coun Lisa Parker said: “Winning the best Have a Field Day award rounds off a tremendous year for Rugby and for Caldecott Park, and is a real tribute to the hard work and dedication of the artists, volunteers and staff who put so much into the Enjoy Rugby Festival and the Festival of Rugby.”
Culture spokeswoman Coun Heather Timms added: “Kookooshaboo worked with hundreds of residents on this project, creating unique pieces of public art which celebrate the town’s status as the Proud Home of the Game.
“The sculptures quickly became a popular photo opportunity for visitors and residents, and it is fitting that this innovative project won this award.”
The Festival of Rugby was organised by the Rugby Football Union and England Rugby 2015 to celebrate the Rugby World Cup, and the Have a Field Day award honours community events staged in parks during the festival.
The national Fields in Trust charity works to safeguard parks and green spaces for sport, recreation and play. The Fields in Trust Awards took place on Wednesday December 2 at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.
Visit www.ragm.org.uk for more information on arts development opportunities in Rugby.
