Chelmsford to celebrate women’s sports with cricket T20 event
On Thursday 28 May, Chelmsford’s Ambassador Cruise Line Ground will host a Women’s International T20 match: England Women vs India Women.
To celebrate welcoming world-class cricket teams to our city, Chelmsford City Council, Essex Cultural Diversity Project and Essex Cricket are holding a community event in Chelmsford High Street, culminating in a procession to the cricket ground before the match begins.
T20 World Cup hopefuls come to Chelmsford
The match is set to be an exciting one, with England currently ranked #2 in Women’s Cricket and India #3 – just 9 points currently separate the teams. The face-off at Chelmsford’s cricket ground will be the first of a three-match series between the teams and important preparation for them ahead of the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup, which begins in June.
Council Leader, Cllr Stephen Robinson, says hosting the event is a significant moment for Chelmsford:
““Welcoming these inspiring World Cup hopefuls to our city is a great chance for Chelmsford to strengthen its reputation as a top visitor destination, spotlighting our city’s accomplished sporting teams, beautiful spaces, and welcoming communities.
Cllr Stephen Robinson, Leader of Chelmsford City Council
“I encourage residents and visitors to embrace the excitement this sporting event will bring to our city and the opportunity it provides local businesses, who will no doubt be ready to welcome the many sports fans who missed out on tickets for this sold-out match. You don’t need to be in the stands to show your support; let's celebrate as a community and enjoy having such a significant event in our home city.”
An opportunity to celebrate women’s sports
To welcome the T20 teams and celebrate women in sport, an interactive event will be held in Tindal Square on the day of the match, Thursday 28 May. Throughout the day, expect cricket-themed games, live acts and music, and pop-ups from local community groups and sports clubs.
Following an afternoon of community fun, a colourful procession will begin at 4.30pm and make its way through the city, down to the cricket ground, ahead of the match at 6.30pm.
The procession will be organised by Essex Cultural Diversity Project, an Arts Council organisation that works to support artists, arts organisations and communities throughout Essex to energise cultural diversity in arts and heritage. It will feature Chelmsford community group members, alongside dancers and drummers, and promises to electrify the city centre.
An event for everyone
The Ambassador Cruise Line Ground, home to Essex County Cricket Club, has hosted England Women before but this will be its first time welcoming the India Women's team. The match is part of India Women’s 2026 tour of England, which will see them play at Bristol, Taunton and Lord’s.
To welcome the team widely considered to be the biggest in women’s cricket to Chelmsford, Essex Cultural Diversity Project has commissioned Bhangra dancers and dhol drummers to perform at Tindal Square. Bhangra and Bollywood dancers will also be performing at the entrance to the cricket ground and on the pitch throughout the match.
Indi Sandhu, Creative Director and CEO of Essex Cultural Diversity Project, says the day will be a vibrant celebration of community, sport and art:
““This is an excellent opportunity to bring community groups together as part of this high profile international T20 women’s India v England match played at the county ground in Chelmsford. The match will provide a platform for local talent to showcase various artforms and form part of a wider cultural celebration.''
Indi Sandhu, Creative Director and CEO, Essex Cultural Diversity Project
150 years of Essex Cricket Club
2026 is a big year for the county cricket ground: As well as hosting this T20 match, its home-team, Essex Cricket Club, is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Essex Cricket Club was formed in 1876 and the Chelmsford ground has been the club’s official home since 1967. Dan Feist, CEO of Essex Cricket said:
“"We are thrilled that the England Women's team will return to Chelmsford again in 2026. This prestige fixture offers a superb opportunity to engage with Indian communities in the region against the backdrop of elite-level cricket at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground.
Dan Feist, CEO, Essex Cricket
"International matches in Chelmsford are always incredibly well supported and we are confident that the Essex public will come out to cheer on both teams during our 150th Anniversary Year.”
Local sports clubs invited to take part
The council is inviting local women’s sports and activity groups to take part in the event at Tindal Square on Thursday 28 May, to promote the fantastic array of teams and groups Chelmsford has to offer!
If your organisation or club would be interested in a free space at the event, please email TCM@chelmsford.gov.uk.
This community event has been funded by Chelmsford City Council and Essex Cultural Diversity Trust, with support from Chelmsford For You and Essex Cricket.
The full line-up will be announced soon. Look out for updates on the council’s social media channels or sign up to City News for all the latest news and updates from Chelmsford City Council and its partners.
Molly writes stories about public health, community safety, leisure, community sport, parking and Chelmsford Market.