Event Description
Colwall Women’s Cricket Centenary Festival: Celebrating 100 Years as the ‘Cradle of Women’s Cricket’
Step into the remarkable origin story of organised women’s cricket at a free, 1920s-inspired summer festival in Colwall, the ‘Cradle of Women’s Cricket’.
One hundred years ago, pioneering women gathered in Colwall with an ambition to bring together women who loved cricket. A 1926 tour based at Colwall Park Hotel helped inspire the creation of the Women’s Cricket Association, the first national governing body for women’s cricket, and began a legacy that helped shape the game enjoyed today.
On Sunday 9 August 2026, Colwall Cricket Club and Colwall Park Hotel invite visitors to celebrate this little-known but nationally important story in the beautiful Malvern Hills.
Special guests from women’s cricket will join award-winning cricket historian and author Raf Nicholson to unveil a new Women’s Cricket Heritage Wall, celebrating the pioneering women whose vision helped shape organised women’s cricket.
As the historic headquarters of the 1926 tour and the festival’s principal hospitality partner, Colwall Park Hotel will play a central role in the celebrations. Visitors can enjoy traditional afternoon tea, freshly cooked fish and chips, Prosecco, Pimm’s and the special ‘Colwall 1926’ centenary cocktail, created especially for the occasion.
The festival will feature a women’s and girls’ softball cricket tournament, live music from the Malvern Big Band featuring Nicole Warfield, plus singer Molly Smout. There will also be swing jazz-inspired dance demonstrations and have-a-go sessions with Coolmoves Dance & Fitness, family entertainment and local female-led business stalls.
Maiden Cricket and Lacuna Sports will be there with clothing and equipment for visitors to explore and try on. The event is supported by Take Her Lead, the charity founded by former England international and broadcaster Isa Guha, with ambassadors attending throughout the day.
There will be a centenary raffle with exclusive prizes, including experiences and award-winning wines produced locally by Coddington Vineyard. Visitors can also enjoy a bar, ice cream, traditional sweets and optional 1920s fancy dress.
Come and celebrate the women whose vision changed cricket forever, while enjoying a memorable day of food, music and community in one of the Malvern Hills’ most historic villages.
Key facts:
- Softball tournament begins at 11am and festival begins at 12 noon
- Entry to the event is free
- Free parking is available at Colwall Village Hall
- Direct train services to Colwall Station on the Birmingham – Hereford and London Paddington – Hereford lines
