Celebrate 200 Years Of Lord's Cricket Ground

By Sponsor Last edited 117 months ago
Celebrate 200 Years Of Lord's Cricket Ground

This is a sponsored article on behalf of Lord's Cricket Ground.

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London history question #1: When was the first match at the current Lord’s Ground played?
Answer: 22 June 1814

London history question #2: Who played who?
Answer: Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) v Hertfordshire

London history question #3: Who won?
Answer: MCC

Will both sides come back to face each other exactly 200 years later, in a repeat of the first ever fixture at the current Lord’s Ground? You bet they will.* On Sunday 22 June Lord’s celebrates its 200th birthday with an anniversary rematch alongside family entertainment, activities and workshops.

The main event is, of course, the cricket. The MCC side will feature Worcestershire captain Daryl Mitchell, former Ireland skipper Trent Johnston, and ex-Durham and South Africa batsman Dale Benkenstein. 200 years on, do MCC still have what it takes to win?

Excitingly, for the first time since 1966 the entry requirements for the Ground’s Victorian Pavilion will be relaxed. Usually it's MCC Members only, but on this day 500** spectators with general admission tickets have the chance to be upgraded on the gate and watch the match from the splendid Grade II listed building. This is a superb opportunity to explore the Pavilion, including the historic Long Room.

If you don’t get a space to watch from the Pavilion then you could enjoy the game from your picnic rug on the outfield. Spectators have not been permitted to sit on the grass at Lord’s since 1987, so this is yet another treat.

At the MCC Cricket Academy, former England internationals John Emburey, Paul Nixon, Matthew Maynard and Dean Headley will be giving unique Masterclass sessions during the afternoon (£10 per person, or £2 if you just want to watch) and there’ll also be cricket games such as the popular “crazy catch”, to help budding cricketers develop their skills. Bat and ball making workshops from Bat-makers Hunts County will be held on the Nursery Ground, with spectators able to try their hand at putting together their own cricket bats.

If you just want to join to soak up the atmosphere and get a slice of London history, then there’s plenty to keep the non-cricket-mad occupied. Food and drink stalls will be dotted around the ground, offering a range of delights from Victorian food to champagne tasting and afternoon tea. Take your buns and grab a seat in the Nursery Ground, where the best local performers from this year’s ‘Perform Live at Lord’s' competition will be on hand to entertain you.

In addition, visitors will be treated to performances from a 63-piece steel band, singer-songwriters, magicians, fairground stalls and face-painting, all free of charge to enjoy.

Anniversary Day takes place at Lord’s Cricket Ground, St John’s Wood, London, NW8 8QN on Sunday 22 June. Tickets cost £10 for adults, £5 for under 16s and £7.50 for over 65s in any stand. To book tickets visit www.lords.org/anniversaryday or call 0207 432 1000. For more information on Lord’s Bicentenary visit www.lords.org/bicentenary.

* No prizes if you got any of those questions right, but feel free to boast in the comments below and you will receive our admiration.
** Subject to availability, first come first served. No under 5s.

Last Updated 04 June 2014