A family festival celebrating the life of a former Kenilworth Rugby player is set to be hosted this weekend.

Jess Fest 21 will be held in honour of Jess Pardo from today (September 1) until Sunday (September 3) at Old Leamingtonians RFC on what would have been her 21st birthday.

Jess, who joined Kenilworth Women in February 2020, passed away on January 23 2021 at the age of 18, after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

To celebrate her life, Jess' family is hosting a family festival at the Bericote Road ground this weekend.

As well as rugby, the event will see street food, live music, DJs and a drag auction.

Guests will even be able to camp at the site over the weekend.

Money will also be raised for Sine a Light support services and Evelyn's Gift through a raffle and auction.

Shine a Light supports young people and families in Coventry and Warwickshire who have been affected by cancer. Its services include home visits, counselling sessions, social events, holistic therapies and much more.

advertisement

Kenilworth Women hosted a charity game in 2021 in Jess' memory (image supplied)

Speaking to Nub News in August 2021 - ahead of a charity match for Jess at Kenilworth Rugby Club - then Women's team manager Alex Clay said Jess quickly became a popular member of the club.

"She slotted in really easily at the club," she said.

"She was really skilled; I think she took a lot of people by surprise at how well she could play.

"She had this spin pass that went 15 metres at the same speed and you wouldn't have expected that of a young girl.

"Most people were astounded at the level that she could play at."

A former youth player at Barker Butts RFC and Worcester Warriors Women, Jess never actually got to play a senior game at Kenilworth, due to restrictions around her age as well as the pandemic.

The memorial game in August 2021 also raised money for Shine a Light, and the club also elected for a minute of clapping rather than silence.

advertisement

Alex explained at the time: "She was loud, she was a happy girl. A minutes' silence was too morbid and she wouldn't have wanted that."

Find out more about Jess Fest 21 here.