The annual Party on the Pitch event at Knottingley Rugby Club drew hundreds of visitors earlier this month, with organisers describing the 2026 edition as the best yet after support from the local business community.
Funding from firms helps keep the festival growing
Held on 11 July, the family-friendly festival combined live music, stalls and children’s games across the rugby club’s ground. The event is organised by club representative Jim Mattin, who this year sought financial backing from companies in the area to help cover costs and expand activities.
One notable contribution came from national housebuilder Persimmon, which awarded the club a cheque for £2,500 after the organisers applied to the company’s Community Champions initiative. The donation was handed over during the festival itself by Lisa Jones, Persimmon’s regional sales director.
“It went down amazingly… the best one yet,” said Jim Mattin of this year’s event.
What visitors saw on the day
Attendees enjoyed a mix of bands and performers, alongside a range of street stalls and family games. The boost from sponsors enabled the club to offer more entertainment and amenities than in previous years, organisers said.
- Event: Party on the Pitch 2026
- Location: Knottingley Rugby Club
- Date: 11 July 2026
- Key donation: Persimmon – £2,500
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Organiser | Knottingley Rugby Club (Jim Mattin) |
| Supporter | Persimmon (Community Champions) |
| Attendance | Hundreds of visitors |
Local festivals such as this rely heavily on a mixture of volunteer effort and sponsorship to remain sustainable. Club representatives say they plan to approach similar funding streams next year to continue building the event and keeping it affordable for families in the area.
