THE European Veterans Rugby Festival, the biggest event to be staged by Farnham Rugby Club, begins today (Friday) at the Monkton Lane ground.

Three days of top vets’ rugby co-incides with the start of the World Cup and matches being played at the same time will be shown on giant screens inside a 700-seat marquee.

Other attractions include live bands and a wine festival.

A free shuttle service will operate from the town centre, departing every 30 minutes from Gostrey Meadow and The Albion pub, running from 9.30am until the evening.  Entry into the ground is also free.

Farnham’s own veterans, Escargot O50s, kick off the festival at 10am with a match against a European representative side, after which all three pitches at Wilkinson Way will come into play as teams from Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic amongst many others demonstrate their own particular brand of vets’ rugby.

See the sports section for the opening day schedule.