The Masters National Festival returns to Blackpool Stanley Park on Saturday 5 September, bringing together hundreds of players, match officials, volunteers and supporters for one of the biggest celebrations of Masters Rugby League.
This year’s event will see 30 men’s teams and six women’s teams take part, with an estimated 700 players set to enjoy a full afternoon of rugby league. The festival will be played across six pitches, a reduction from previous years to support the player experience and reflect feedback from those who attended last year’s event.
Games will be split across two sessions, with the first running from 1pm to 2.25pm and the second from 2.30pm to 4pm.
The format will once again showcase the inclusive and supportive spirit that sits at the heart of Masters, with men’s players aged 35 and over and women’s players aged 30 and over taking to the field.
Following the success of last year’s festival, players, referees and clubs will have the opportunity to demonstrate the values and characteristics that make Masters Rugby League so distinctive. They will follow in the footsteps of last year’s award winners, including Women’s Player of the Day Amy Barrow of Thatto Heath, Men’s Player of the Day Dave Livesley of Barrow, Referee of the Day Martin Fisher, Club of the Day Munster Stags from Ireland, and Moment of the Day winner Balazs Zsikai from the North East.
Professional Security will support the festival as event sponsor, providing services throughout the day to help create a safe environment for players, spectators and the wider public.
After the action, Blackpool Cricket Club will host the post-event activities, with live music and food provided by Leavers Bakery, a new addition for 2026 introduced following feedback from last year’s festival.
The RFL’s Social Officer, Bradley Kelk, said: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming all the teams and players from across the country to Blackpool this weekend. This flagship event for Masters is a true representation of ‘the spirit of Masters’, and the fact this event continues to shine is a credit to all the supporters, volunteers, players and organisers over the years. If there are any new players or clubs who wish to experience Masters for the first time, the National is a fantastic opportunity to see what kind of community you can create at your local community club.”
Event information
Date: Saturday 5 September
Venue: Blackpool Stanley Park
Parking: Coach, minibus and car parking is available using postcode FY3 9RB, with café car parking available via FY3 9HU
For more information, please contact Bradley.Kelk@rfl.co.uk
