A Festival of Sport with an England/Scotland theme ran throughout the Union of The Crowns 400 Festival programme. Sports of all kinds were represented, with a particular focus on clubs from the local communities of Northumberland and the Scottish Borders.
The Festival of Sport opened on 6th April with an international rugby match hosted by Berwick Rugby Club.
Another highlight was the first ever England v Scotland bowling tournament, which involved 18 clubs from both sides of the Border.
Walking featured prominently in the programme, as did cross-Border competitions in rowing, sailing, fly-fishing and golf.
On 18th June 2003, over 100 children from first schools in Northumberland and primary schools in the Scottish Borders competed in a friendly beach football tournament on the sands at Spittal. Alongside the competitive games, Surestart Berwick provided activities for the under 5’s and for other children not directly involved in the football.
The Union of the Crowns Festival of Sport ended on 13th March 2004 with a special England v Scotland curling competition, or “bonspiel”, at Kelso Ice Rink.
The event was organised by the Royal Caledonian Curling Club in the Scottish Borders and the Glendale Curling Club in Northumberland and featured teams of all abilities from both sides of the Border.
