Queen’s Park, Chesterfield, will continue to host first-class cricket for the next five years.
Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet has approved a deal with Derbyshire County Cricket Club which will see Queen’s Park host the popular Chesterfield Festival of Cricket for the next five years.
This will mean at least six days of county cricket being played at the picturesque ground each year and will see the Club celebrate its 150th anniversary with a visit to Chesterfield in 2020.
Derbyshire CCC Chief Executive, Simon Storey said: “The Chesterfield Festival of Cricket is a highlight of Derbyshire’s cricketing calendar every summer.
“Whilst moving a county cricket club operation represents a huge logistics challenge, the feedback we receive – whether it’s players, national media, Members, local businesses and school children – is that this is a real jewel in Derbyshire’s crown. It is a unique opportunity for the town to attract visitors and inspire the next generation of cricketers in the north of the county.
“We are, therefore, delighted to be extending our partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council and Chesterfield Cricket Club which ensures that we are able to look forward to celebrating our 150th anniversary of Derbyshire CCC with a traditional summer visit to Queen’s Park in 2020.
“We are now a good position to secure a long-term sponsor for the event which can only be good for the Festival as we seek to build on its success.”
Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, added: “One of our priorities is to hold events for the community and the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket is one of the most popular in our calendar.
“The NatWest T20 Blast game between Derbyshire Falcons and Yorkshire Vikings at this year’s event was a sell-out and throughout the festival, cricket fans went into the town centre spending in our shops and bars, contributing to the local economy.
“As part of the deal, Derbyshire County Cricket Club is also giving opportunities for young people to get involved in sport and increase their fitness.”
The 11th successive Chesterfield Festival of Cricket will take place in summer 2016. Funding is provided by the council as part of its commitment to hosting community events.
Pictured above (left to right): Derbyshire Chief Executive Simon Storey, Councillor Chris Ludlow, Councillor John Burrows, Derbyshire Chairman Chris Grant, Councillor Amanda Serjeant and Derbyshire President Geoff Miller.
