171st Canterbury Cricket Week: All you need to know
Monday 5th June 2023
It’s almost time for cricket to take centre stage in the social calendars of East Kent – the 171st Canterbury Cricket Week, sponsored by MHA Accountants, begins on Wednesday 7 June.
After consultation with a Members’ Working Group, the Club has worked hard to ensure that Canterbury Cricket Week is something that the whole of Kent can rightly be proud of.
A CAMRA marquee will be in place at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence during Kent’s LV= Insurance County Championship match with Surrey, and live entertainment on and off the field is back at the heart of the oldest surviving cricket festival in the world.
Kicked-off by two Vitality Blast matches & an LV= Insurance County Championship clash against our oldest rivals, here’s what Members & supporters can expect from Canterbury Cricket Week in 2023:
-
Wednesday 7 June: Kent Spitfires vs. Essex (Vitality Blast)
Not only is this the infamous ‘Battle of the Bridge’, a contest between Kent & Essex that unofficially decides bragging rights across the Dartford Crossing, but it is the Charlotte Edwards Cup debut of the South East Stars at Canterbury, too!
One ticket for both matches – Members & ticket purchasers are invited to watch the South East Stars take on Central Sparks in a T20 match starting at 14:00, followed by the Spitfires vs. Essex from 18:30.
The South East Stars boast nine Kent Women stars amongst their first team squad and with the side formally representing Kent, London & the South East, the Stars will be making their second official appearance at The Spitfire Ground.
An autograph session with the Stars players will take place after this match, as well as the usual signing session with the Kent Spitfires Men’s squad that takes place at the end of every home T20 match.
-
Friday 9 June: Kent Spitfires vs. Hampshire Hawks (Vitality Blast)
Our Pride Match against the Hampshire Hawks is a T20 showdown under the lights at Canterbury.
Kent Cricket is supporting The BeYou Project – in association with the Club’s Official Charity Partner for 2023, Porchlight. We will be using the match as a platform to signpost spectators to various Pride events taking place across the county this Summer, as well as giving away free Pride-themed FanKlappers and 4&6 cards to all in attendance.
Sam Timms, a member of The BeYou Project team, said: “We’re delighted that Kent Cricket is helping us to send a message: LGBTQ+ young people are welcome in this sport.
“Many LGBTQ+ young people tell us they feel unable to be their authentic selves when doing sports at school. They feel an expectation to be seen and to act a certain way – for example, being strong and masculine. They are less likely to get involved, their mental health suffers, and they miss out on the mental health benefits that physical activity can provide.
“Having openly LGBTQ+ people and allies at a club of Kent Cricket’s level gives them the green light to begin participating. Some will enjoy this at amateur level, others may even progress to a career. And most importantly, it reminds us all that everyone is equal.”
-
Sunday 11 – Wednesday 14 June: Kent vs. Surrey (LV= Insurance County Championship)
In the 250th Year since the oldest surviving completed scorecard of a match between two counties was recorded, Kent vs. Surrey takes place yet again in the first-class game & is the crowning piece of the 171st Canterbury Cricket Week.
- Day One – Family Fun Day:
CBeebies’ Mister Maker, Phil Gallagher, will be joined by infamous Canterbury pantomime dame Ben Roddy to provide family fun for all the family in aid of the Kent Cricket Community Trust, with free activities for juniors taking place as well as face painting and other cricket activities run by the Kent Cricket Community Team. Kent Mascots Victa and Victoria will be in attendance to meet and greet the crowds and there will also be free NHS Health checks for the over 40s.
A live jazz band will also be performing during the day.
- Day Two:
The Club’s annual School’s Day out takes place with over 1,000 schoolchildren across the country invited by the Club to experience County Championship cricket at no cost. There will also be live music during the day to entertain our visitors & Members alike.
- Day Three:
A live jazz band will be performing during the day and a Members’ Forum will also take place during the Lunch break.
The Kent Cricket Supporters Club will continue its tradition of laying a wreath to commemorate the Kent cricketers we have lost through conflict during the Tea interval at the Colin Blythe Memorial.
