A CELEBRATION ball, a comedy night and a road race will mark the 45th anniversary of a rugby club and raise money for charity.

The festival, called the big Witney Weekend, will be held at Witney Rugby Club, in Hailey Road, kicking off on Friday, September 10, with Pigstock – an evening of live bands, bacon and beer.

Money raised will go to Charlbury disabled children’s charity SpecialEffect and Oxford’s Sobell House hospice.

Rob Murdoch, of Witney Rugby Club, said: “The club prides itself as being a community rugby club and we’re delighted to have chosen to run the ball and weekend in conjunction with SpecialEffect and Sobell House.

On Saturday, a black tie ball will feature an auction for items including F1 experiences, weekend breaks and an autographed England rugby union shirt. The festival ends on the Sunday with the Classic Cotswold 10K run and a comedy night.

For tickets and more information, contact Chris Clinkard on 01993 708333 or via email to chris@beautiful-linen.co.uk