Chesterfield Festival of Cricket fixtures announced

Derbyshire Falcons will host more NatWest T20 Blast cricket than ever next summer.

Five limited overs fixtures will take place at the height of summer from end of July and into August, while local NatWest T20 Blast derbies against Notts Outlaws and Yorkshire Vikings have once again be handed prime dates

The Club is anticipating capacity crowds for both derbies, which starts with the local clash against Yorkshire Vikings on Saturday 8 July at Queen’s Park, which will bring the curtain down on the Custom Solar Chesterfield Festival of Cricket in association with Chesterfield Borough Council.

The Custom Solar Chesterfield Festival of Cricket will also include a traditional first-class fixture, with the Specsavers County Championship fixture against Durham taking place from Monday 3 July – Thursday 6 July.

Simon Storey, Chief Executive of Derbyshire County Cricket Club, said:

“We’re delighted that our local derbies have been given prime dates. We were close to capacity at both fixtures in 2016 and we hope that Members, supporters and local people will once again get behind our side and we can secure a double sell-out.

“The Yorkshire fixture also confirms our return to Queen’s Park next summer.

“Chesterfield Borough Council has conducted a full investigation into the waterlogged pitch issues we encountered in July and is undertaking maintenance work to fix the issues. Chesterfield is a special venue for cricket and we’re committed to returning to the beautiful Queen’s Park for years to come.”

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, added:-

“The Chesterfield Festival of Cricket is one of the highlights of our sporting calendar and we’re delighted that Derbyshire will be returning in 2017.

“After play was not possible last year, we conducted a thorough investigation into the issues around the waterlogged outfield.

“Whilst the level of rain was exceptional in 2016, we’ve identified areas of the drainage system that can be improved that will minimise any risk of a similar problem occurring again.

“Work will be ongoing during the winter period and more frequent and improved on-going inspections and maintenance will take place throughout the year and, in particular, in the run-up to the festival.

“We once again look forward to hosting the week-long event and welcoming people to our town, with the economic benefits that brings.

“The festival also provides the opportunity for hundreds of local school children to watch top-class cricket right on their doorstep and we hope it can inspire many to live active and healthy lives.”