The events industry’s annual charity cricket day has raised a record £60,086 for the Lord’s Taverners, making 2026 its biggest single-year total in the event’s 19-year history.
Sticky Wicket is organised and delivered by a collective of event and exhibition industry professionals, gathering each summer for a day of cricket and networking with fundraising at its heart. Anyone working in the event or exhibition industry is welcome to get involved, support, contribute, sponsor or attend as a networking spectator, though playing requires team sponsorship.
The 2026 edition, which took place on 16 July, brought together teams from across the industry including major organisers, venues and suppliers. Among them was Mash Media, publisher of Conference News and sister brand Exhibition News. Mash Media’s events portfolio includes Excel event International Confex.
Teams of up to ten players compete in five-over matches across the day in a format designed to be accessible regardless of cricketing ability.
The Lord’s Taverners provide free, inclusive cricket programmes for young people with disabilities and from disadvantaged communities across the UK and beyond. The previous running total raised by Sticky Wicket stood at £600,000 over 18 years.
Next year’s event will mark the 20th anniversary of Sticky Wicket.