Global stars renew old rivalry
Friday 15th August 2025
Probably the biggest event of Ventnor's very special 175 season, the renowned Lashings World XI, sometimes referred to as ‘the Harlem Globetrotters of Cricket’, comes to Steephill on Friday 15th August.
Lashings’ much anticipated visit renews a long-standing Ventnor tradition but it will be the first encounter since 2017.
The match itself (a T20) is scheduled to be underway by 3:30pm and conclude around 6:15-6:30pm. Advance events include a special junior coaching session in the morning (10:30) and a marquee lunch at the Cove end from 12:45pm.
And there's no need to hurry away: following the match there will be live music (from 18:30-19:00 approx) in the bar with The Ohmz - last seen in Ventnor in the Rotunda at the Fringe (Friday 18 July). There will also be live music before the match.
This match comes with very special thanks to our group of principal match sponsors: The Chequers @ Rookley; Gentlemen and Players clothing; Matt White Communications; Rouse Ltd financial planning; and A J Wells. And, not least, to the many club volunteers who have worked long hours to put the game on. Without their support, this event simply would not take place.
Star-studded line-up
Lashings will include WI great, Courtney Walsh with TMS legend, Henry Blofeld (‘Blowers’) on commentary and Sir Gordon Greenidge in attendance. In addition, we also have confirmations so far for:
- Former England leggie, Chris Schofield, who will captain the side
- Ex-Bangladeshi captain, Mohammad Ashraful
- SA test all-rounder, Nicky Boje
- Somerset & England batter, James Hildreth
- Pakistan all-rounder, Yasir Arafat
- England Disability keeper, Hugo Hammond
- Surrey & England quick, Martin Bicknell and
- WI test-batter, Kirk Edwards.
Access on the Day, Marquee Lunch & Facilities
Ground admission - payable on the gate on the day - is priced at £5. There are no advance ground sales. The public admission gates - on Steephill Road or from the club car-park - will open at 1:00pm. Meanwhile, the special marquee lunch is currently sold out with over 250 attending.
For ground visitors, on the day facilities will include the club's own bar and refreshments together with visiting burger bar van and an ice-cream van. There will also be a special raffle - a joint promotion on behalf of the club and our friends at St Catherine's School, the only day and residential education and therapy provider in the UK that specialises in working with young people with speech, language and communication needs aged 9-25.
Finally, St John's Ambulance will be in attendance to assist anyone feeling unwell or in the event of injury.
On-the-day parking
VCC's own parking on-the-day will be strictly limited and is largely reserved. Additional pay-parking will be available 'next door' at the neighbouring Ventnor Botanic Gardens. Please note that VBG has created 31 additional temporary spaces for the Lashings event.
Alternatively, visitors can seek on-street parking between Ventnor Park and Steephill or use one of the town's car parks. Finally, the club has arranged for a park-and-ride facility from free parking kindly provided by Ventnor RFC (both rugby and old football car parks) at Watcombe Bottom on the Whitwell Road. A free minibus shuttle service will run from VRFC to VCC from shortly after 11:30 until 3:15 and in reverse from 6:15-7:15pm. (Please note, parking at VRFC is entirely at owner's risk).
In any event visitors are strongly advised to double up and share cars where feasible.
And finally: health & safety
Whether you are a frequent or casual attendee at cricket matches, please do remember to take care when walking round the ground especially during play. And please ensure that young children are accompanied in the ground at all times.
General queries to: the 175 Event Team at info@ventnorcc.co.uk
