On Friday, 7th November 2025, the lights return to Wellingborough School as our highly anticipated Friday Night Lights event once again will bring an evening full of action-packed 1st team sports.
Starting from 5:15pm and running until 8:00pm, the evening will showcase two exciting fixtures that will certainly keep spectators on their feet. At 6:15pm, our 1st XI Hockey Team will take to the pitch against King’s Ely, and just 15 minutes later, our 1st XV Rugby Team will face Princethorpe College at 6:30pm. Both matches will be a testament to the sportsmanship of our pupils, qualities that lie at the heart of Wellingborough’s sporting ethos.
Our Director of Sport, Mr Harris, commented on the spirit of the evening:
“The Friday Night Lights event was first introduced in 2022 with a hockey match against Kimbolton, and it has since grown into a special evening that now brings together both rugby and hockey fixtures side by side. What makes the event so memorable is not just the quality of the sport but the way it unites our school and the wider Wellingborough community.’’
He added:
‘’With over 300 people attending last year, it has become a real highlight of the calendar and a chance for staff, students, families, and friends to come together, celebrate school spirit, and cheer on our 1st teams under the lights. For the players, the energy and encouragement from such a large crowd makes the occasion even more special, and we hope this year’s event will be just as inspiring.”
This evening is also a chance for the whole Wellingborough community to come together. Families, friends, Old Wellingburians, and prospective parents are all invited to share in an evening that combines friendly competition with community celebration.
The grounds will also see live music, mulled wine and hot food, allowing you to relax and soak up the atmosphere. Whether you are cheering from the sidelines or catching up with friends, there is a real sense of togetherness that runs through the evening, reminding us that at Wellingborough, it’s not just about achieving excellence but about feeling part of a community.
Mr Williams, Head of Rugby said:
‘’Playing under floodlights is a great experience for our boys, fully preparing them for the future when they join university programmes and play adult sport. Each year the crowd has been fantastic, and our players raise their performance for what is always an extremely close and competitive fixture. Let’s hope for another great match.’’
Mr Houghton, Head of Hockey said:
“This event presents a unique and exciting opportunity for our hockey squad each year. For those who aspire to play hockey at university level and beyond, it also prepares them well for the pressures of playing in front of a larger crowd than a usual Saturday fixture. Very few pupils of all ages get to see the 1st XI play each week due to their own school playing commitments, so this provides an opportunity for the 1st XI squad to get suitable recognition from their peers of all ages. Having already played King’s Ely (1-1 draw) back in September, we know it will be a tough and close encounter!”
As the lights come on and the crowd gets into the games, Friday Night Lights is really about enjoying the evening together. It is a chance to watch our pupils doing what they love, with everyone around them cheering them on and just enjoying being part of the school community.
Our Deputy Head of Operations commented on the event:
‘’Friday Night Lights is just one of those lovely occasions when the whole school family of parents, staff, OWs and current students can attend. It is great to see everyone come together in a more relaxed environment to cheer on our hockey and rugby players.’’
We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be another unforgettable evening. Wrap up warm, bring your loudest voice, and get ready to enjoy a showcase of Wellingborough talent and togetherness under the floodlights.
Friday Night Lights will take place on Friday, 7th November, from 5:15pm to 8:00pm. Please note that most of the refreshments will be card payment only. However, cash will be accepted for mulled wine and refreshments in the Tea Pavilion.
Find out what else is happening at Wellingborough by visiting our News & Events page.
