News and Events
Derbyshire Festival of Cricket – Celebrating 140 Years: Sponsored by Orchid IT
Derbyshire County Cricket Club will host a week-long festival at The County Ground, Derby, in July – showcasing four different forms of cricket alongside additional activities and attractions.
The club is working in partnership on the project with Derby Cathedral, the Cathedral Quarter, Marketing Derby, Derby City Council, the University of Derby, Derby LIVE and Tourist Information Centres throughout the county, all of whom have pledged to be involved in the festival.
The festival will begin with an England v New Zealand NatWest Women's Series International on Thursday 15th July; a day that will also see Don and Mary Amott host a major event raising money for Derby Hospitals Charity, the club's new Official Charity Partner.
The Derbyshire public will then be treated to two matches in the Friends Provident t20, a Clydesdale Bank 40 fixture and the first day of a LV = County Championship fixture.
The Saturday of the festival will see a selection of Derbyshire legends attend a 140 Year Anniversary Dinner at the County Ground.
Many additional match day activities will be taking place around the ground including: falconry demonstrations, a real ale tent provided by Old Speckled Hen, a farmers market, local Derbyshire themed stalls, marching bands, Derbyshire exhibitions, a rodeo bull; and a selection of further activities to keep the youngsters entertained.
After the opening day NatWest Women's Series International, the Derbyshire Falcons and the Northamptonshire Steelbacks clash in the Friends Provident t20 on the following evening, Friday 16th July.
Yorkshire Carnegie become the second t20 visitors of the weekend on Sunday afternoon, 18th July, then the SKY cameras will be in attendance for the visit of Gloucestershire Gladiators in the Clydesdale Bank 40 on Tuesday 20th July. An exclusive Marketing Derby bondholders event is planned for this match, helping the club to showcase its facilities and the cricket to a selection of local businesses.
The festival will then conclude with the opening day of the LV = County Championship match against Worcestershire on Wednesday 21st July, a day on which members will be permitted to bring a guest free of charge.
Derbyshire Chief Executive Keith Loring said: "Hosting a festival at county headquarters is an exciting new venture which we hope will attract new and returning supporters to cricket at the County Ground - and will give us an opportunity to showcase all of our new facilities.
"Four different forms of the game will be showcased and - with the help of our sponsors Orchid IT and all the partners outlined above - the club is working hard to recruit even more additional activities to help us create a festival atmosphere."
Orchid IT Managing Director Brett Critchley said: "We have worked in partnership with Derbyshire County Cricket Club for several years and have always been proud to support a club who, we believe, are making exceptional progress both on and off the field.
"With developments happening at the ground as we speak and a competitive Derbyshire side on the field, the Derbyshire Festival of Cricket – Celebrating 140 Years is the perfect opportunity for the public to come and see the progress being made at the County Ground for themselves.
"It is an honour to have the opportunity of being involved in this event because we believe the Cricket Club is at the very heart of the community in our county and that this festival is an excellent way of showcasing the club and celebrating 140 years in style."
For further information call Tom Holdcroft on 01332 388 125, 07768 552 667 or email tom.holdcroft@derbyshireccc.com