Billy Ocean had an fitting message for the England team as he headlined a free festival to celebrate the start the Rugby World Cup (RWC).

Nearly 10,000 revellers poured into Redlees Park in Isleworth on Sunday (September 13) to watch the R 'n' B legend at the Be Inspired Festival.

He belted out hits including When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough get Going, which could apply to England's rugby team as they prepare for the ultimate test on home soil.

The tournament gets underway at Twickenham this Friday (September 18), and crowds got to see and get their photo taken on Sunday with the Webb Ellis Cup for which nations will be competing.

Will Greenwood, a RWC winner in 2003, and Marlie Packer from England's reigning women's RWC side, accompanied the trophy as it neared the end of a 100-day tour.

The event, which was organised by Hounslow Council, began with a parade of nations featuring 200 schoolchildren from 12 primary schools representing the 20 countries on show in this year's Rugby World Cup.

The Rugby World Cup has been on tour around the country

X-Factor star Jamie Archer, jazz artist Tyler Rix and the east London gospel choir Revelation Avenue, were among a range of top musicians supporting Billy Ocean throughout the day.

Other performers included students from West Thames College in Isleworth, entertaining crowds with everything from self-defence demonstrations to dance routines.

Catering students from Feltham Skills Centre helped feed the masses, while hair and beauty students from the centre plaited hair and painted faces.

Younger festival-goers enjoyed arts and craft workshops, as well as sports taster sessions and the chance to test their mettle on an army assault course.

Hounslow Council leader, Councillor Steve Curran, said: "It was really fantastic to see so many people enjoying themselves at the Be Inspired Festival.

We had a capacity crowd with many people leaving with smiles on their face, which is exactly what we wanted to see. Hopefully people will have been inspired by what they saw and experienced on the day.

"Many thanks to the army of volunteers and council staff who helped to make it run smoothly. It was a perfect way to launch our countdown to the World Cup.

"By the way, I am now a Billy Ocean fan."