The annual Heart of Wales 7s was last weekend with a record 4,000 sport and festival goers attending.
The Friday night kicked off with Mixed Ability Rugby, Flamingo Bingo and the much anticipated Charity Match with the Mike Phillips Barbarians vs the Flaming Unicorns, a team formed by the mental health charity Tough Enough to Care.
Welsh and British & Irish Lions legend Adam 'Bomber' Jones support the Flaming Unicorns whilst ex-Ospreys and Wales Coach Sean Holley headed up the coaching team for Mikes team and ably assisted by local legends Adam Price and Dai Higgs of Llanidloes RFC.
Mike Phillips Barbarians v Flaming Unicorns charity match in aid of Tough Enough to Care at the Heart of Wales 7s. Picture by Gruffydd Thomas.
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Heart of Wales 7s action. Picture by Gruffydd Thomas.
The Barbarians came out on top in a touch encounter but raising awareness and funds for the TETC charity was the main focus with over £14,000 currently raised and more being counted.
The Saturday saw another year of high quality rugby and netball with local teams such as Newtown, Llandovery, Wrexham and the RGC rugby outfit pitting their wits against teams further afield around the UK such as the British Army, Plymouth Albion and Charlton Park.
Heart of Wales 7s action. Picture by Gruffydd Thomas.
Heart of Wales 7s action. Picture by Gruffydd Thomas.
The sport is always the highlight with the White Collar Boxing on Saturday night drawing in big crowds to support the local boxers such as Jenson Jones and Stu Jones, while Josh Wall came out as our Prizefighter Champion. The Official Welsh Tug of War Championships also made another year at the HoW7s some spectacular strength and guile on show throughout the day.
Celebration time at the Heart of Wales 7s for Preseli BaBas. Picture by Gruffydd Thomas.
Butchers 7s celebrate the Elite Mens HoW7s title. Picture by Gruffydd Thomas.
The music went up another notch with many local acts being support by top class tributes before N Trance wowed the crowds with a high tempo set which included their UK charts Number 2 'Set you free'.
Jordan Davies, festival founder said: "This years event really blew me away. Not just the numbers that joined us from around the local area and further afield across the UK, but everyone's sheer enthusiasm, positivity and how everyone bought into the weekend.
Heart of Wales 7s action. Picture by Gruffydd Thomas.
Heart of Wales 7s action. Picture by Gruffydd Thomas.
"To raise that amount of money is breathtaking and I want to thank everyone that contributed whether it was at the event or in the build up. I know that is going to have a big impact with the TETC charity and everyone should be immensely proud. The fancy dress, sport, and festival vibes throughout the weekend were unmatched and I can't wait to see what next year brings already."
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