The World’s Most Historic Cricket Week
Thursday 14th July 2011
Thousands of people will flock to the St Lawrence Ground, Canterbury in August to enjoy the historic, stylish and spectacular Canterbury Cricket Week. It will be the 160th Cricket Week and will continue the wonderful traditions of previous years.
Canterbury Cricket Week can be traced back to 1842, making it the oldest festival week in England, and one of the most distinct cricket events in the world. This year, five days of magnificent cricket are promised in stunning surroundings, with wonderful events planned for each day; the St Lawrence Ground as ever ringed by marquees.
Kent County Cricket Club CEO, Jamie Clifford commented on this year’s Cricket Week “It is such a marvellous, special event – not only for Canterbury and Kent, but also for the game of cricket. We want this to be a celebration of all that is good in the game and the county, and are planning a tremendous festival. This year we have introduced free ground entry to those aged 16 and under for the duration of the festival; we hope this this will encourage families to attend as Cricket Week really does offer something for everyone.”
Day One – Wednesday 10 August
The week gets under way against Kent’s oldest rival – Surrey County Cricket Club, and the battle will be fierce. At tea on Day One the Kent Supporters Club will lay a wreath to commemorate Kent Players killed in action. In the evening the Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment will have a private Beat the Retreat Ceremony.
Day Two – Thursday 11 August
Thursday is Ladies Day, and generally regarded as the highlight of Cricket Week. This year will see the traditional Ladies Hat Competition enhanced as ‘Fashion on the Outfield’. The best dressed ladies (including hats) will be vying for a range of exclusive prizes worth over £1,500, including; a personal shopping experience with Fenwick, a flight and accommodation package with Manston Airport and Flybe, and exclusive items from Fitzgerald Jewellers. Day Two will also see a marching military band, which will really add to the sense of occasion.
Day Three – Friday 12 August
The third day will be a celebration of ‘Produced in Kent’, with the Club hosting a marquee of local produces, and craftspeople displaying a collection of wares from the Garden of England.
Day Four – Saturday 13 August
Day Four is the final day of the Championship match, and also a day to celebrate the fine history of the Club.
Day Five – Sunday 14 August
The final day of Canterbury Cricket Week, will be a family day, with the Club hosting a 40 over match against The Netherlands. This promises to be a colourful day of cricket and there will also be plenty to keep the children entertained, with a bouncy castle, face painting, a fire engine and arts and crafts.
The final day will include the unveiling of the renamed Annexe Stand. The Club has also invited capped players to return to the St Lawrence Ground on Day Five, so the crowd will be in illustrious company. Further details of these players will follow.
Canterbury Cricket Week tickets are now available by clicking here. Pre-purchase, print at home tickets are available with no booking fee; Day One to Day Four; adults £10, Woolley Stand £15, juniors (16 and under) are free. Tickets to Day Five (CB40) are adults £15, Woolley Stand £20, juniors (16 and under) are free.