The annual LGBTQ+ Cricket Festival returned to Sutton Coldfield Cricket Club for its third year on Sunday, attracting inclusive cricket teams from across the UK for a day filled with competition, colour, and togetherness.
This year’s event saw growth with the introduction of a dedicated softball pitch alongside the traditional hardball format, making the game more accessible to first time players than ever before.
The new softball competition featured four teams, including newcomers Surrey and Lancashire, as well as Western Force, a combined side from the South West, and Birmingham Unicorns.
In the hardball competition, three teams competed: Birmingham Unicorns, Leeds Kites, and Graces, the UK’s first LGBTQ+ cricket club from Middlesex.
One of the day’s most talked about moments happened during the group stages when the Birmingham Unicorns secured their first ever victory over Graces, a long standing rival.
This win sent the Unicorns into the final with renewed confidence. However, Graces made a strong comeback, successfully chasing down the target of 94 runs without losing a wicket to claim the tournament title.
Drag queen Pork Elizabeth Pie lit up the final with humorous live commentary.
Festival organiser Richard Evans praised the expanded format, saying, “Adding the softball pitch was a game changer. It’s about breaking down barriers to sport and welcoming people who’ve never picked up a bat before. Inviting Surrey and Lancashire as first timers helped us achieve that.”
The festival was made possible thanks to the efforts of volunteers, umpires, scorers, and the dedicated staff at Sutton Coldfield Cricket Club. Their hard work ensured a safe and welcoming space for everyone involved.
The celebrations will continue this Pride Month with a Cricket Taster Session scheduled for Tuesday 24th June. Anyone interested in joining the game, whether LGBTQ+ or an ally, is encouraged to participate.
To register for the session, click here.