COUNTY Durham is gearing up for a unique birthday bash, as it seeks to bring together people from across the region who are celebrating their big day.
Durham County Cricket Club (DCCC) and the County Durham Community Foundation (CDCF) are hosting Durham’s Big Birthday Blast on Sunday, August 16 at the Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground (EDICG), and are inviting anyone celebrating their birthday on the day to attend for free.
The event is a combined celebration of 20 years since the first ball was bowled at the EDICG and 20 years of funding and support provided by CDFC. The day will see the Lashings cricket team – made up of a number of international cricketers – take part in a T20 cricket match that will help introduce the sport to new audiences, as well as interval entertainment from Peppa Pig and SpongeBob SquarePants. All money raised by the event will be shared between CDCF and a fund set up by DCCC to support the development of a nursery training ground, a community facility that will benefit young people and women in particular.
The event will be a packed day of family fun, according to DCCC chief executive David Harker. He said: “There’s a real buzz growing around Durham’s Big Birthday Blast, and we wanted to make this a big community occasion by celebrating as many birthdays as we can.
“The day is shaping up to be great for cricket lovers, as well as those who are just looking for a fantastic programme of family focused entertainment, to keep the little ones entertained.
“CDCF and DCCC have been making a big difference to many people’s lives for two decades, and the fact that we share a ‘birthday’ meant that it was a natural fit for us to work with them create an event that we know will be really special.”
Food and drinks from local producers will be available for guests on the day as well as a range of fun day activities, including soft play, face painting and other celebrity guests.
Adult tickets costs £5 and children can go free, but for those celebrating their birthday, they only need to present a passport or driving licence on the gates to gain access for free.
Barbara Gubbins, chief executive of CDCF, said: “We are delighted to be a part of Durham’s Big Birthday Blast, a celebration that will help us raise more money that can make a positive difference in the area.
“This year is a chance for us to celebrate all that CDCF has achieved since the foundation was formed, and the same is true for DCCC, which has been making a positive difference to people’s lives – and indeed the regional economy – for two decades. To be able to celebrate this with people who are also enjoying their special day is a really great opportunity, and we know the event will be a great party, with entertainment for people of all ages.”
Tickets are available online at DCCC’s website: www.durhamccc.co.uk.