Enjoy the Cricket World Cup without a ticket

Bristol’s history of art and culture will play a big role in the city’s special World Cup event, taking place across two weekends in late May/early June. Visitors are invited to take up paint brushes and help decorate a giant statue, specially commissioned for the tournament. Featuring the flags and emblems of all ten competing nations, the statue will then be displayed in the city centre for every World Cup fixture taking place in Bristol.

When? 25-27 May and 1 June

Found in the heart of Nottingham’s city centre, Old Market Square will play host to a four-day cricket invasion. With multi-cultural food and drink, a DJ, and live screenings of the cricket fixtures at Trent Bridge (with beanbags and deckchairs!), it’s possible to spend an entire day on the site. And, if you’re feeling active, Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club will be hosting street cricket activities, letting the whole family try their hand at batting, bowling or catching.

When? Thursday 30 May – Sunday 2 June

Want to help set a new world record? Head to Cardiff on 31 May and join ‘the Ultimate Delivery’ – a catch relay featuring thousands of visitors throwing and catching a cricket ball through the city centre, eventually arriving at the Cardiff Wales Stadium for its opening fixture. Even if you don’t take part, this is bound to be an unmissable spectacle.

When? 31 May

For two days in June, Taunton’s Castle Green will host live action from the World Cup on a big screen. Just ten minutes by foot from the County Ground Taunton and next to the scenic Castle Hotel, you can expect a variety of cricket activities and delicious food options.

When? 8-9 June

Westquay Shopping Centre in Southampton doesn’t sound like a must-visit cricketing destination (unlike the city's Hampshire Bowl), but for three days, the outdoor Esplanade section will be transformed into the ultimate hangout spot for cricket fans. Pull up a deckchair and relax in front of the big screen with a drink from the on-site bar; you’ll also be surrounded by restaurants and food options, so make a day of it!

When? 14-16 June

Already home to the National Football Museum, Manchester’s Cathedral Gardens will expand its sporting history with a two-day fanzone in June. Combine a trip to the museum with live action from the World Cup at Old Trafford Cricket Ground for an unforgettable weekend of sport in Manchester.

When? 14-16 June

Join the party atmosphere in Leeds’ Millennium Square, surrounded by historic buildings, gastropubs and museums. Regularly used to screen live showings of major events, Millennium Square is sure to be rocking when England play at Headingley on 21 June.

When? 21-23 June

Split across two locations (with just a short walk between them), Durham’s fanzone will have plenty of room for cricket fans from across the globe. There’s plenty of restaurants and bars in the area, and if you’re lucky enough to have a ticket to a game, you’re only ten minutes from the Riverside too.

When? 28-30 June

The statue of Queen Victoria that sits in front of Birmingham City Hall is going to have some company this summer; Victoria Square will be home to a Cricket World Cup fanzone for three days in June. Just minutes away from Birmingham New Street train station with bus links to Edgbaston, this highly accessible location is sure to be a popular one.

When? 28-30 June

One of London’s most iconic locations, Trafalgar Square will play host to its second Cricket World Cup event of the year in July. Earlier this year, at the tournament’s launch event, Nelson’s Column was transformed into a set of cricket stumps; expect more cricket-themed activities and a big screen to enjoy the action on when the ICC World Cup returns to both The Oval and Lord's Cricket Ground.

When? 12-14 July