VPG Sports Weekend

The Victoria Pleasure Grounds — Goole’s historic sports ground, first opened in 1888 and newly refurbished through the Goole Town Deal — hosts a weekend of sport during the Big Bicentenary Weekend. On Friday 17 July 2026, Goole AFC welcome a Sheffield Wednesday XI to the VPG for a prestigious pre-season friendly under the lights (admission £4; evening kick-off is listed as 7.30pm by the Northern Counties East League and 7.45pm by Goole 200, so check before travelling). On Saturday 18 July, Goole Vikings RLFC hold a free open training session, listed for 10.30am, with the chance to watch the squad at close quarters — confirm timings via the club’s official channels.

Rather than a single branded festival, the weekend is a run of separate fixtures and sessions that together put the town’s refurbished home of football and rugby league at the heart of the celebrations. Both Goole AFC and Goole Vikings play their home games at the VPG, and 2026 marks their return to the upgraded ground in the town’s 200th year.