Aimed at promoting the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, the event was brilliantly attended over the two days. The two rugby semi-finals, held in Bristol, are part of a massive 12-month period for women’s sport in the city as the Seat Unique Stadium plays host to six matches at the Women’s T20 World Cup next June.

Our goal at the GCF is to put more bats and balls in people’s hands, and it was fantastic to see so many people who have never played cricket before coming and trying their hand in the batting cage. It wasn’t just New Zealand, Canada, England, and France fans who attended the Fan Zone. Sports fans from across the world travelled to Bristol. From European countries like Germany and Spain, to much further afield, like Kenya. 

Fan Engagement Manager at the ECB , Nathan Stokes said of the Fan Zone: “It was fantastic to see so many people in Bristol celebrating women’s sport from all across the world, and even better to hear so many were already planning or buying their tickets for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2026.

 

The fan zone was buzzing, with everyone having a go in the batting cages and fully catching the spirit. After an incredible year of tournaments at home, we can’t wait to carry that momentum into next summer and see what Bristol can do next year.”

Alongside the batting cage, the Women’s World Cup trophy was present for people to have their photos taken with, and players from the Gloucestershire men’s and women’s sides were on hand to share advice or answer questions.

The Fan Zone is just the first part in a celebration of women’s cricket in the build-up to the games taking place in Bristol next year. There will be World Cup-themed school activities and more opportunities to try cricket across Gloucestershire.

Tickets for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup matches are available to purchase now.