Better Business / Member news
Bristol to host free city centre fan zone for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
Bristol’s Harbourside is set to come alive this September as the city launches an official Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Fan Zone, transforming the iconic Amphitheatre into a vibrant hub of sport, culture, and community celebration.
The free-to-enter event will coincide with six knockout matches hosted at Ashton Gate Stadium, including two quarter-finals and both semi-finals.
Running over two weekends— September 13-14 and September 19-20 2025—the Fan Zone is being delivered by Bristol City Centre BID in partnership with Visit West, Bristol City Council and a range of local organisations and businesses.
Bristol Bears players Sarah Bern and Jas Joyce-Butchers with the Women’s RWC trophy – photo: Rob Browne
Visitors can expect a lively festival atmosphere, with live match screenings, music, performances, creative workshops, sporting activities, and food from some of Bristol’s most beloved independent traders.
The Bristol Fan Zone will broadcast all four quarter-final matches and both semi-finals on a large outdoor screen, surrounded by a rich programme of entertainment and community-led experiences.
“This is a city-wide celebration of women’s sport and community pride,” said Sabrina Shutter, project events manager at Bristol City Centre BID.
“We’re incredibly proud of the number of local businesses getting behind the Fan Zone—from traders and artists to cultural partners and venues. Their support is helping us deliver something truly memorable for Bristol.”
Designed to be fully inclusive, the Fan Zone will feature themed areas for families and fans alike. Highlights include interactive rugby challenges, cultural showcases, family-friendly craft zones, and public art installations, including large-scale work from Bristol-based robotics studio Air Giants.
View this post on Instagram
The event is expected to attract around 100,000 visitors, bringing a significant boost to the local economy and showcasing the city on an international stage.
“Hosting the games is a fantastic way to invite new audiences to experience Bristol and support our many local businesses,” said Vicky Lee, Director of Bristol City Centre BID. “The Fan Zone will drive footfall into hospitality and leisure venues, and will be a showcase for our city on a national stage.”
Kathryn Davis, chief executive of Visit West, added: “Hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup and delivering a very Bristol Fan Zone is a brilliant opportunity to create a family-friendly festival vibe. It celebrates our creativity and hospitality, inspires the next generation of female athletes, and encourages return visits to the region.”
Accessibility and connectivity are central to the Fan Zone’s design. Visitors can enjoy scenic walking routes linking the Harbourside to Ashton Gate, along with special ferry services from Temple Meads station to the Amphitheatre.
View this post on Instagram
Sarah Massey, managing director of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, said:
“Whether you are a lifelong rugby fan or discovering the sport for the first time, the Fan Zones will offer something for everyone. We want fans, local communities, and visitors to feel the energy of this tournament and be a part of this unmissable moment for women’s rugby.”
Bristol Business Improvement District (BID) are member of the Bristol24/7 Better Business network, an initiative to help businesses thrive while creating a positive impact on Bristol and the people who live here. As part of their membership, businesses can publish member news stories like this. For more information, visit my.bristol247.com/better-business
Main photo: Bristol BID
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
