RUGBY has started getting dressed up for its moment in the spotlight when the Rugby World Cup kicks off in the autumn.
A giant image of the coveted Webb Ellis trophy now looks out from the front of the Rugby Art Gallery, Museum and Visitor Centre, while a series of tournament banners line the lampposts of Corporation Street.
It represents the first official tournament branding to arrive as part of the town’s Proud Home status.
Further city dressing has been placed on the town hall, while the whole town centre and main routes into the town will receive the special treatment in the summer.
Rugby Borough Council culture spokesman Coun Heather Timms said: “The trophy image looks stunning on the visitor centre building, and really makes the connection between Rugby World Cup 2015 and its origins here in the birthplace of the game.
“With the recent launch of our volunteer programme and the arrival of this city dressing, it’s really starting to feel as though Rugby World Cup 2015 has arrived in Rugby town.”
Rugby’s unique tournament status as official ‘Proud Home of the Game’ will see Rugby Borough Council invest £1 million in the town ahead of the tournament.
The plans will see a Rugby Village created at the old marketplace featuring events and activities throughout the tournament, which runs from September 18 to October 31, while parts of the town will be given a ‘spring clean’.
Further investments being discussed by the council include permanent and temporary art sculptures, large-scale ‘spectacular events’ and a World Rugby exhibition.
Coun Timms added: “Plans to celebrate the tournament are progressing well, and there will be more announcements in the coming weeks.”
Banners like these ones on Corporation Street will spread throughout the town during the summer. 07.015.012.rug.jm3
England in action on the official ‘Proud Home’ banner, on the side of the library building. 07.015.012.rug.jm4
