Lancashire Cricket Club opens its doors to people living with dementia

Lancashire Cricket Club, Dementia Adventure and Together Dementia Support unite for a landmark inclusive cricket day at Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground

Lancashire Cricket is set to welcome Dementia Adventure and Manchester-based charity Together Dementia Support to Emirates Old Trafford on 8 September, as part of the Club and Lancashire Cricket Foundation’s commitment to making cricket more inclusive.

The event takes place on Day 1 of the Rothesay County Championship fixture against Gloucestershire. Up to 50 participants, including people living with dementia and their carers, will watch the match from a dedicated dementia-friendly space in The Point, and take part in accessible cricket-themed activities run by the Lancashire Cricket Foundation, including table cricket. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day.

It is estimated that 982,000 people currently live with dementia in the UK, rising to 1.4 million by 2040. For many, social opportunities and physical activities become increasingly difficult to access over time. Green Letter Days exist to change that, creating safe, supported, and joyful experiences for people living with dementia and the people who care for them.

The results from previous events are positive. In 2025, Dementia Adventure delivered seven Green Letter Days across England, welcoming 140 participants. More than 93% rated the experience as very satisfying, more than 75% of carers reported feeling less isolated, and more than 50% felt less stressed after attending.

One family carer who attended a previous cricket day at Lord’s said: “I loved sitting watching cricket with my dad and enjoying a beer together, a sport he used to love. We don’t get do this together very often.”

Fiona Petit, Chief Executive of Dementia Adventure, says: “Our ambition is that Green Letter Days will become a model for dementia-inclusive events, kickstarting a wave of programming and influencing best practice across tourism, leisure and community engagement.”

Phil Johnston, Member Relations Manager at Lancashire Cricket says “It’s important for us to provide a welcoming environment for people living with dementia, their families, carers, and support network so they can relax and have an enjoyable day.

The day is also supported by Together Dementia Support, a Manchester-based charity

Established in 2014, providing Friendship and Activity Groups, Dementia Cafes, and specialist carer support across the city. Claire Marrett, Service Delivery Manager at Together Dementia Support, says: “The activities and support services we provide have become a lifeline for many people living with dementia and their family carers living in Manchester. We believe that people, despite their diagnosis, deserve quality of life and that carers need specialised support to help their wellbeing too.”

Tickets are free. To find out more or register, visit dementiaadventure.org/green-letter-days