On 24 September 2022, Lord’s Cricket Ground is opening its doors for a vibrant end-of-season celebration, to mark England Women’s homecoming as two of world’s greatest cricketing nations come together at a landmark game. Playing host to the England v India women’s one-day international (ODI) match, it’s time to go big at Lords with friends, family and fans alike with celebrations that promise to deliver a unique cultural experience that stretches beyond the field of play.
In a first-of-its-kind spectacle for the historic cricket ground, Lord’s is set to be transformed into a celebration of two cultures featuring the women’s teams powering the future of sport supported by a new generation of fans falling for the game. As well as giveaways, face painting and a photobooth moment, expect music from all-female drumming at Eternal Taal, a delicious South Asian food bazaar, and the opportunity to get creative with the Indian tradition of kite flying at half time.
As a welcome to India’s international team to England’s home of cricket, the internationally renowned Bhangra Drums group, Eternal Taal, will put on a musical performance. Having recently performed at the Commonwealth Games opening, the all-female Dhol players will build suspense and anticipation with the melodious beats of the drums making way for the start for the match.
Within the ground, the bustling food bazaar will display a vibrant array of street food, delivered with a unique Desi flavour, awakening all senses with unique dishes packed with highest quality South Asian spices. North Indian fast food kitchen Hero will be on hand to whet appetites with Kati Rolls, Samosas, Masala Fries, and refreshing Mango Lassis, with more curries and biriyani classics available in the Food Village from London Street-Food specialists.
At half time, visitors can get creative at the ‘Patang’ kite station. A big part of Indian and Pakistan culture, colourful kites fill the skies at big celebrations, and Lord’s will be no different. Working with Kite Project UK, fans have the opportunity to make their own colourful kite, on the best quality Indian paper, to join in the fun and fly it high, bringing a burst of colour to the North London skies.
Throughout the day, fans can get into the spirit with activities galore, snapping memories in the pop up Photobooth, getting stuck into exciting giveaways and trying their own hand at picking up a bat and playing cricket.
Not forgetting the game itself as England’s women’s national team take on India in an end of season celebration to mark two of the world’s biggest cricket teams coming together, in what’s sure to be an unforgettable international ODI match, at the hallowed Lord’s Cricket Ground as women’s cricket takes centre stage this year. Having celebrated their first year at the Commonwealth Games, the second year of the smash-hit Hundred women’s competition, it’s now time for the England women’s team’s long-awaited homecoming game at Lord’s.
England Women’s cricketer, Sophia Dunkley, said “It’s a huge moment for us to be playing at Lord’s, and it’s a huge moment for women’s cricket in general. We haven’t played there as a team since 2017 and it’s really exciting for us to be able to play in front of what will be a record crowd.
“Hopefully those fans will get to see us win, but also we hope they see a bit of what we’re about as a team and that they want to come back and watch more women’s cricket. The women’s game is about inclusivity and community, empowerment and a celebration of what makes us different. It’s about being yourself, and being part of a team.
Dunkley continued, “There will be young girls in the crowd who may not have watched a game before and Lord’s is a big chance for us to inspire the next generation, to show that We Got Game and that they can be part of this community too.”
From families to new fans, old friends and the Next Gen of cricket spectator, everyone is welcome. Tickets are on sale now, and more information can be found via the Lord’s Cricket Ground.
