Rugby World Cup brings parade and music to city

Celebrations, including a 500-strong parade, will be taking place ahead of the Women's Rugby World Cup

Thousands of people are set to descend on Sunderland to enjoy a parade and live music in celebration of the Women's Rugby World Cup.

England are set to take on the USA in the opening match of the tournament at the Stadium of Light on later and the city centre is hosting events to promote the tournament.

The game is particularly exciting for former England captain Sarah Hunter, who is originally from North Shields, who has returned to the region as part of the coaching team.

Hunter said she felt like a "kid at Christmas" to be returning to north-east England for the world cup.

"The really exciting thing about having a home world cup is the opportunity to create that lasting legacy," she said.

"It's going to be on terrestrial TV, it's going to be all over social media, people have access to it.

"We're going to eight different cities around the country, which means rugby won't be too far for someone to go and watch the world's best teams."

The Red Roses held coaching sessions for children at Seaburn Beach

A host of activities are taking place around the opening game and there will be a chance for young players to try the sport and meet the Red Roses.

More than 400 people arrived at the Seaburn Beach Festival on Wednesday, where the Newcastle Rugby Foundation led an open girls' rugby session and a touch rugby festival.

They were joined by members of the England rugby squad, including flanker Marlie Packer who said on social media it had been a "fantastic afternoon with so many girls getting involved".

Most of the entertainment will take place at the Keel Square Fan Zone, which will be hosting events until Saturday.

The Fan Zone opened with a panel discussion about women in sport and music before visitors were treated to a line-up of all-female musical artists.

Among them was Sunderland-based witch-pop artist Shannon Pearl, who said it was "electrifying" to be part of the world cup performance.

"My whole thing is challenging societal norms through my art and I think that's what rugby does as well," she said.

"So to be paired sort of with the opening of the Women's World Cup and an all-female line-up highlights the fact that we're trying to do that as a city."

Musician Shannon Pearl said it was electrifying to perform at the World Cup Fan Zone

Outside of the Fan Zone a 500-strong parade is set to travel through the city before the match.

The parade is being organised by Southwick-based carnival company Creative Seed, which is providing costumes to 300 people, including those from local community groups.

"There's no limit to who can join in a carnival, everyone just takes part and has a great time," director Sandy Harris said.

"We've been making flags with community groups and we've been teaching them all about rugby.

"The kids have made their own flags which represent the different countries that are taking part."

The parade begins at 17:00 BST and will travel over the Keel Crossing footbridge, which is opening temporarily for fans to use before the match.

Former World Cup winning captain Sarah Hunter is now the England coach

Celebrations will continue after the match on Saturday.

Sunniside Food Market will be moved to the Fan Zone where stall holders will be joined by artists, magicians and circus performers.

But Hunter hopes after the international teams depart the city, they will leave behind a lasting legacy.

"Hopefully more girls and boys will be going down to their local rugby club and picking up a rugby ball or buying tickets to watch the premier women's rugby teams playing in the domestic league," she said.

"I think that's really exciting."