Roland Butcher, the first Black person to play cricket for England.
On Sunday 14th June 2026, young people from our group enjoyed an exciting educational trip to the African Caribbean Cricket Festival at Beckenham County Cricket Ground. The day was packed with cricket, culture, learning opportunities, and fun activities for everyone.
We met outside Caledonian Road Underground Station at 10:00am before travelling together to the festival. Upon arrival, the gates opened and we were welcomed into a vibrant atmosphere filled with cricket fans, families, and members of the local community.
The official opening ceremony began at 12:15pm, celebrating the rich contribution of African and Caribbean communities to cricket. Whilst waiting for the matches to start we had a picnic with lunch provided.
Shortly afterwards, the first T20 match between ACE Academy and Kent Academy got underway. It was inspiring to watch talented young cricketers showcase their skills and determination on the field.
Throughout the day there were many activities to enjoy. We also had the opportunity to take part in cage cricket challenges and test our skills against professional players and cricket legends.
Away from the cricket, there was a lively domino tournament, and ice cream vendors providing treats throughout the day. The festival atmosphere brought people together and created a strong sense of community spirit.
The second T20 match featured the Caribbean Cup versus the Windrush Trophy, I mostly enjoyed this part of the exciting cricket action. The day concluded with a closing ceremony, where cups and trophies were presented to celebrate the achievements of the teams.
Overall, the African Caribbean Cricket Festival was a memorable experience. It combined sport, culture, education, and entertainment, allowing everyone to learn new skills, where we meet new people, and enjoyed a wonderful day together.
Written by Ayub, aged 12
No responses yet