Blackpool Cricket Club Opens

Blackpool Cricket Club has a long and storied history, dating back to its origins in 1890. The club was initially based in various locations within the town before it found a permanent home at Stanley Park. The land, a sprawling 256-acre site, was gifted to Blackpool Corporation in 1924, as part of a grand vision for the development and expansion of the town’s public amenities. This ambitious project led to the creation of Stanley Park as a key community space, with facilities for leisure and sports. As part of the broader development, a cricket pitch was laid in 1925, alongside the construction of a pavilion and stands. The park quickly became a hub for outdoor activities, and the new cricket facilities provided a professional standard venue for Blackpool Cricket Club to establish itself in the competitive world of local and regional cricket. The development of Stanley Park and the accompanying cricket grounds represented a significant milestone in the town’s sporting infrastructure, contributing to Blackpool’s identity as a centre for recreation and community engagement.

The addition of the cricket pitch to Stanley Park in the 1920s marked a new chapter for Blackpool Cricket Club, as the team enjoyed a permanent and well-equipped venue for their matches. Over the years, the club continued to grow, attracting both players and supporters, becoming an important fixture in the sporting life of Blackpool. The facilities at Stanley Park, including the pavilion and stands, were modern for their time, and they offered spectators a comfortable space to enjoy cricket, contributing to the park’s reputation as a major sports and leisure venue in the area. Throughout its history, Blackpool Cricket Club has seen numerous notable achievements, with the team competing in various leagues and tournaments. It has been a stepping stone for many local cricketers, some of whom went on to achieve regional or national recognition. The club has also fostered a sense of community and local pride, with its matches often drawing large crowds from the surrounding areas.

One of the club’s most renowned players was Harold Larwood. A Blackpool Civic Trust blue plaque hangs at the clubhouse entrance.

In addition to its cricketing activities, Stanley Park has served as a gathering place for the wider Blackpool community, hosting various events, including sporting tournaments, festivals, and concerts. The park’s continuous evolution has helped solidify its place as one of Blackpool’s most beloved public spaces, and the cricket pitch remains a central feature of this vibrant venue, continuing to host both competitive matches and recreational games for enthusiasts of all ages. Today, Blackpool Cricket Club remains a vital part of the town’s sporting tradition, with a rich legacy that spans over a century, rooted in the historic Stanley Park.