More than 60 teams are expected to compete at this year’s Middlesex 7s Festival as it returns this weekend.

On Saturday, May 5, Richmond Athletic Ground will host the event, which will offer a large cash prize in the men’s, women’s and student competitions at every level of the game from serious to social.

The festival village- a new feature of the event- will offer a variety of street food, local craft ales, London gin, Somerset cider and music from the Radio Jackie roadshow, as well as interactive games such as welly wanging, rugby sling-shot or O2 touch rugby taster session.

Even the younger members of the family can take part in the tots rugby sessions.

Festival chairman David Gershlick said: “Sevens rugby forms part of the RFU’s strategy to develop community rugby in all its formats, and we’re delighted to be playing our own part in growing the game.

“But the new format of the Middlesex 7s Festival offers a lot more than just great rugby.

“It’s a great day out for all the family.”

The festival will also host the regional qualifiers of the RFU Secure Trading 24/7s and the winners will qualify for the 24/Sevens regional finals.

Launched as the Middlesex Club 7s at Harlequins in 2000, the competition originally ran qualifying rounds across the county in the preceding weeks.

It moved to Richmond in 2002 where seven competitions were played simultaneously across seven pitches.

Each year the format has grown to accommodate first students and women’s sevens, then Merit Table sevens.

Tickets are available here in advance at £5. 

Children under 14 go free.