The LGBTQ+ Cricket Festival is to return for a fourth year this weekend and is set to welcome even more new teams from all over the country to participate in both the hardball and softball competitions which are on offer, to ensure cricketers of all abilities and experience are catered for.
The festival takes place this Sunday (14 June) at Sutton Coldfield CC, based in Rectory Park and kicks off at 11:00am. It will see eight teams spanning the nation taking part in an all-day sporting bonanza which will celebrate unity and inclusivity.
With the weather forecast promising and temperatures set to improve this coming weekend, lovers of cricket are encouraged to head down to Rectory Park and enjoy the cricket on show, as eight sides – which include the Warwickshire-based Birmingham Unicorns – battle it out for the title.
Alongside the Unicorns, teams from all over are landing in the West Midlands to partake in the event; previous winners Middlesex Graces are once again attending, as are Kent, Lancashire Roses, Leeds Kites and Western Force. For the first time, there will also be sides from Nottinghamshire and Norfolk competing, too.
The festival has been organised by the Warwickshire Foundation in conjunction with Out4Cricket, who pride themselves in building and championing an inclusive environment in which anyone can play cricket.
Festival organiser Richard Evans said: “This festival is about breaking down barriers to sport and welcoming people who’ve never picked up a bat before. Inviting Notts and Norfolk as first timers helps us to achieve that.”
The event, made possible by the staff at Sutton Coldfield CC, will also include a live DJ, a barbecue and coverage of both the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and Men’s FIFA Football World Cup.