Thousands are expected to gather for a day of sport, culture, and community next month.
The 2026 Festival of Cricket returns to Hainault Recreation Ground on July 12, offering a full day of cricket, live entertainment, and cultural festivities.
Established in 1989, the charity-run event is organised by Sri Lankan school alumni associations and a volunteer committee, aiming to raise funds for medical and social causes in both the UK and Sri Lanka.
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Past endorsements from the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) noted: "The Festival of Cricket has a unique power to bring a diverse community together through the values of the game. It offers the perfect blend of high-level physical activity, social integration, and a beautiful celebration of Sri Lankan heritage."
The event features a seven-a-side cricket tournament. UK-based Sri Lankan Old Boys' Associations will compete across eight pitches, and the tournament will include dedicated women’s matches to promote the sport’s growth.
The festival also features The Grand Bazaar, a market serving Sri Lankan street food such as hot kottu and hoppers, alongside international cuisine.
Entertainment will run throughout the day with live music and a cultural show. A children’s funfair, commercial trade stalls, and a beer tent will also be part of the event.
The festival's mission is ‘share and care for the betterment of the world’.
Over the years, the event has raised thousands of pounds for charities such as Cancer Research UK, Anthony Nolan, and medical institutions in Sri Lanka. Funds have also supported disaster relief efforts and educational programmes.
The event runs from 9am to 8pm, and more information is available at festivalofcricket.org.
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