Wooden Spoon is the children’s charity of rugby, funding life-changing projects across the UK and Ireland to support children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage.

Research shows that 1 in 10 children in the UK and Ireland have a disability and there are 3.5 million children in the UK living in poverty. These numbers continue to rise and more and more children need our help.

Our vision is that through the power of rugby, every child and young person has access to the same opportunities.

Vets Fest is a rugby festival with a difference, taking place at Tynedale RFC on 26 September. Teams compete on the pitch but their ultimate goal is to raise funds for Wooden Spoon to support children and young people in need.

Vets Fest is a rugby tournament for over 35s who want to play in a community of like-minded people. While there will be plenty of competitive rugby on the pitch, the heart of Vets Fest is all about raising funds and awareness for Wooden Spoon, to support children and young people living with disabilities or facing disadvantage.

In 2026, we have three categories:

- Over 35's

- Over 50s (Vintage Vets)

- Walking Rugby

Every team entering the festival will be fundraising throughout the build-up to the event, with the ultimate goal of being crowned winners both on and off the field:)