The blowers and orchestra are part of the cricket club’s jubilee weekend
The Queen’s Jubilee celebrations promise to be special for many reasons, but for Cherry Tree Cricket Club it promises to be one of the biggest weekends in the club’s history.
On Friday, June 3, broadcast legend Henry Blofeld will be the guest of honor and commentator as the Cherry Tree XI against the Harlem Globetrotters of Cricket, the Lashings World XI made up of former international cricketers.
Then, on Sunday June 5, more than 1,000 people are expected to attend a rousing Last Night of the Proms-style event featuring the Blackburn Symphony Orchestra.
Henry Blofeld, Blowers for his legion of fans, will be joined at Cherry Tree by West Indian Testing legend Sir Gordon Greenidge who is the Lashings ambassador for the day.
Already confirmed for the Lashings squad are former England Test players Devon Malcolm, Saj Mahmood, Martin Bicknell, Chris Lewis, Owais Shah and Chris Schofield, as well as Pakistani all-rounder Yasir Arafat.
A special marquee will be erected on the ground and a lunch and reception will take place before the T20 game, giving fans the chance to meet the players. Lunch tickets and VIP seats for T20 cost £45 and sell out fast.
Doors will open at 3pm to the public with the game starting at 4pm, entry is £5 payable at the door.
Organizer Ian Robertson said: “This event has gone on for three years because we had representatives from Lashings come to Cherry Tree and they absolutely loved the pitch. We signed a deal for them to come, then Covid hit, but now it’s finally going to happen – and there couldn’t be a better time.
“It’s fantastic to have these great cricketers coming to Cherry Tree. In the morning around 100 or our youngsters will be treated to a special coaching clinic that they will never forget.
“Then Henry Blofeld is commentating live on our pitch – it’s amazing”
On Sunday June 5, the 42-piece Blackburn Symphony Orchestra will lead a spectacular outdoor concert billed as Blackburn’s biggest Platinum Jubilee Garden Party. There will also be a music hall hour led by LeeAnn James, Blowjangles Street Band, Feniscowles and Cherry Tree Singing Group and Made for Stage Musical Kids.
“We want it to be a real party,” said Ian. “We produced a souvenir booklet with all the words to the popular songs so people could join in and we ordered 750 Union Flags for the public to wave.
“It really promises to be something quite special.”
Attendees can bring a picnic, but there will also be a carvery and a special afternoon tea that can be booked in advance.
During both days there will be a pig roast and a special outdoor bar is being built.
“We hope people will come in their red, white and blue for the celebrations,” Ian said. “It promises to be one for generations and a weekend that people will long remember.”
To reserve seats for the Cricket Luncheon and Reception, email cherrytreecc@outlook.com. Tickets for the Jubilee Concert, priced at £13.50, are available from www.cherrytreecricketclub.co.uk/jubilee