HUNDREDS of youngsters are set to take part in the second ever cricket event at the world-famous Cheltenham Racecourse.
The Big Cricket Celebration – on August 8 – will be following on from the huge success in 2021, which saw more than 500 children enjoy a day of cricket at the Races.
Over 4,000 girls and boys aged 5-11 are being invited to this event along the final furlong, in front of the Grandstand at the racecourse in the heart of the spectacular Gloucestershire countryside.
This year, the event has been extended and will include a Women’s Softball festival, that will take place after the children’s activity has concluded.
Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation chief executive Steve Silk said: “It’s been fantastic to see so many youngsters enjoying playing cricket again this summer. The smiling faces of children playing cricket and the huge growth in the women’s and girls game has inspired us to stage The Big Cricket Celebration.
“Our goal at Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation is always to put bats and balls into the hands of as many people as we can, and this special event will involve as many children as possible, bringing them together from all corners of our county. It will also celebrate the significant growth in women & girls’ participation where the county has seen an increase to over 60 clubs with women or girl’s sections.
“We needed a venue with enough space to cater for a mass cricket event, and thanks to our friends at Cheltenham Racecourse we’re looking forward to what will be a memorable and unique day. We saw in 2021, the huge impact the event had on children and their families, and we cannot wait to welcome everyone again this year.
“Cheltenham Racecourse has seen some momentous racing victories and we’re hoping our cricketing youngsters and women & girls will enjoy playing our beautiful game in such a world-famous setting.”
Clubs and community groups throughout Gloucestershire are being invited to bring their youngsters to the celebration on Tuesday (3pm-5pm).
The Women’s Softball festival (6pm-8pm) will involve clubs from across Gloucestershire playing in matches on the home straight. This festival is being supported by Flicx UK, who are kindly donating roll out wickets to support the event.
To make it a day to remember, catering, ice cream vans, sweet trucks, tours of the stadia and opportunities for photos with the Gold Cup, will all be available to participants and their parents. A multi sport mascot race will take place after an initial parade.
Steve added: “We are inviting all youngsters who have enjoyed the hugely successful ECB All Stars and Dynamos programmes throughout the county this summer, but this event is also open to all children who want to take part under the age of 11. We are also inviting all cricket clubs with a Women’s Softball team to get involved. It promises to be a very special day, and it’s free for all.”
To register a child, visit: https://tinyurl.com/4r4mrm2y.
To register a Women’s Softball team- https://tinyurl.com/2654ensp