Howzat! The annual CFT charity cricket match returns to Goodwood’s stunning cricket ground this summer. Pack your picnic blankets and bring friends and family for a free afternoon in the sunshine.

The Chichester Festival Theatre team will be led by our very own Artistic Director, Justin Audibert, who will be joined by special guests Ed Bennett, Rupert Evans, Phil Porter, James Tovell, Jay Saighal, Alex Gibson Giorgia, Ben Jones, Timothy Watson and more to be confirmed. We’ll be facing our hosts, Goodwood Cricket Club, and the afternoon will be commentated by members of the company of our production of Hamlet, Giles Terera and Simon Darwen.

This is a free event and you’re more than welcome to bring your own picnics. There will also be hot, alcoholic and soft drinks, and ice creams on sale. We’ll be joined by The Pizza Nomad – who will be selling pizzas and slices. Proceeds from the event will support our Chichester Festival Youth Theatre at 40 campaign.

Handy info for the day (updated)

• The car park will be open from 10am, with pizza and ice cream available from midday
• The match will start at 2.30pm, with tea expected around 4pm and closing at 6pm
• In case of rain, please check the website or our social media for updates
• Ahead of the match, there will be an open morning for those who’d like to give cricket a try (more details below)

Getting to Goodwood

Goodwood Cricket Map

Please use PO18 0QB for Satnav to take you to the gates by the Goodwood Hotel or use what3words app locator: forehand.span.hoaxes for precise car parking location. Parking is accessed by driving up New Barn Hill to Gate 1, opposite the Farm entrance, with spaces available for Blue Badge holders. Marshalls will be in place to help guide traffic.

Cricket is the oldest of the sports played at Goodwood, having been played there since at least 1702, and has been supported by all the Dukes of Richmond. There have been regular cricket teams at Chichester Festival Theatre over the years too.

Community Cricket a Goodwood CC with CPCC

Goodwood Cricket Club in partnership with Chichester Priory Park Cricket Club invite you to try your hand at a round of cricket or two before watching the match. Join them from 10am whether you’re new, returning after a break, or simply curious.

• Try Junior or Women's Cricket with games and activities run by club coaches
• Chichester Walking Cricket invites to try out their cricket format
• Senior League and Women's cricket coaches and players will be on hand to answer your questions

Please complete this form if you plan to join the morning activities.