Essex Cricket are delighted to announce a partnership with Essex Pride, an annual celebration of LGBT+ life in Essex, that will see the Eagles Vitality Blast fixture against Surrey dedicated to embracing equality.

This reaffirms Essex Cricket’s commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and the positive steps the Club has taken to increase participation amongst underrepresented communities.

Essex Eagles’ Vitality Blast fixture against Surrey on Friday 24 June has been chosen as a celebration of Pride with Essex Pride itself taking place the following day across the river in Central Park.

Essex Cricket will also take part in Essex Pride’s march, the first held in the county, as it makes its way through the centre of Chelmsford at 11:40am on Saturday 25 June.

Garry Ormes, Chair of Essex Pride, will be hosting an Essex Pride stand, which will be based by the Tees River Gate and provide information about ways you can support Essex Pride and the wider LGBT+ community.

On Essex Pride’s partnership with Essex Cricket, he said: “We were delighted to be contacted by Essex Cricket, who wanted to help raise awareness about Essex Pride.

“As a not-for-profit charity, we rely on the support on local businesses to promote the work we do within the LGBT+ community.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for Essex Cricket fans to learn about the LGBT+ community, but also a way of showcasing the great work Essex Cricket are carrying out to make cricket inclusive and a safe and welcoming space for all people.”

Essex Eagles Captain, Simon Harmer said: “We embrace cricket fans from all backgrounds and walks of life, that is reflected in our dressing room and our Club as a whole.

“As Essex players, we want the support of all cricket fans in the county and so initiatives like this are fantastic to show that cricket is a sport for all.

“Most of all we want cricket fans to know that whoever you are, you will be welcomed as part of Essex County Cricket Club, and your support will be appreciated.”