The only guide you need for Durham’s 2024 edition of Invades Cricket

What is it?

The large and notorious events company Invades, who are partnered with 63 universities across the globe, are hosting a T20 cricket game.

For anyone who thinks cricket is boring, I’d recommend you watch some more T20. With each team only bowling 20 overs, T20 games last a few hours and are typically much more expansive and attacking than test and one day fixtures.

If the phrase “it’s more than just a game” has ever been truly suitable, it’s here. This is not just a day out at the cricket. This is a day full of music, brilliant drinks deals and great vibes. It’s exactly what you need for a high-energy (and relatively cheap) celebration for the end of exams.

Use this link to buy tickets: https://fixr.co/event/durham-invades-the-sunset-races-day-party-2024-tickets-853031938/tickets

At £29 for a ticket with transport and £21 for a ticket without transport, this is a brilliant deal, and considerably cheaper than any other externally provided events for the summer in the local area.

When is it?

The event takes place on May 31st, with doors opening at 1pm. It will be hosted at Emirates Riverside, in nearby Chester-le-Street, the home of Durham County Cricket Club.

With a large capacity of 17,000, the Riverside Ground is a bustling venue to watch T20 cricket.

Picture this: it’s a warm May evening, the Riverside is packed full of Durham and Newcastle’s finest, the pints are flowing and the sun is setting over the River Wear. It sounds like the ideal north-east university experience, what more could you want?

Who’s playing?

The T20 match is between Durham and Birmingham Bears. This match is not just an exhibition- it is a professional cricket match and part of this year’s T20 Vitality Blast.

While the line-up on the day has not yet been decided, Durham host a mass of England talent, including test captain and local boy (via New Zealand) Ben Stokes who has recently made his return to county cricket. Other recent internationals include captain Alex Lees, and fast bowlers Mark Wood and Matthew Potts.  Also able to boast the services of two prominent Australian players in left-arm fast bowler Ben Dwarshuis and middle-order hitman Ashton Turner, expect some thunder from down under on the wicket.

Birmingham Bears, the opposition on the day, are not without talent either. Having performed well in the 2023 Blast, the betting man would probably have them as favourites on the day. Spearheaded by explosive left-handed bat and right-arm off break bowler Moeen Ali, the Bears have the ability to turn the game on its head at any notice. They possess a prominent bowling attack, including England’s Mr. Reliable fast-medium bowler Chris Woakes, Pakistani international Hasan Ali and spinner Jake Lintott. With some luck, you may even see former Durham University student and DUCC player Chris Benjamin on the field for the Bears.

What should I wear?

If the races are known for tweed, the cricket is known for flair. Last year saw a mass of jockey outfits, purple blazers and even a lobster costume. Be creative and be yourself. Think of what you would wear to a post-exam hangout with a big group at The Racecourse, and amplify it with a couple of unique items to make yourself stand out.

Don’t be boring. Invades are pioneers and innovators, why shouldn’t you be? Make a statement with an iconic group costume or something outrageous enough to divert the conversation during the occasional dull over. This event marks the true start of summer in Durham, go and make a name for yourself and as ever, be silly.

Particularly if you’re a cricketer, wear your club colours. Get those boonies out and show Durham how big and bad you really are.

Be careful, though; you don’t want to end up on our biggest ick at the cricket TikTok…

What else is going on if I don’t like cricket?

Invades is more than just a cricketing spectacle, it’s a whole day of partying. With the match starting at 6:30pm, there’s over five hours between doors opening and the first ball being bowled. In this time, Invades have an exclusive pre-game party and open air DJ stand, with some cheap drinks deals lined up.

Cricket is merely a facilitator for fun. Yes, cricket enjoyers will also be there to see some monstrous sixes and catches so filthy that they should be hung in The Louvre, but to most it’s a celebration of summer starting and an opportunity for a day out with friends. Don’t be put off if you’re not much of a cricketer: while Invades provides exclusive services, they do so on an inclusive basis.

Featured image via Invades

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