Your Guide to the Blast at Durham

The Vitality Blast is one of the most exciting competitions in cricket, and there’s no better place to experience it than at Banks Homes Riverside. Fast-paced matches, big hits, and a buzzing atmosphere combine with themed entertainment, great food and drink, and unforgettable summer evenings.

Whether you’re a lifelong cricket fan or completely new to the game, Blast nights in Durham are designed to be fun, social, and easy to enjoy. With music, themed matchdays, family activities and dramatic on-field action, every fixture offers something different.

If you’re looking for a great summer night out with friends, family or colleagues, this is it.

What is the Vitality Blast?

The Vitality Blast is cricket’s fast and explosive T20 format, where each team bats for just 20 overs. Matches typically last around three hours, making them perfect for an evening out.

Expect:

• Big hits and dramatic finishes

• High-energy entertainment around the ground

• A relaxed, social atmosphere

• Matches played under the lights during the summer

It’s cricket designed for modern fans; fast, exciting, and packed with entertainment from the first ball to the last.

Why Blast Nights at Durham Are Special

A Blast match at Banks Homes Riverside is more than just cricket, it’s a complete matchday experience.

From the moment gates open, the ground comes alive with food, music, themed entertainment and activities for all ages. Whether you want to enjoy a drink with friends, keep the kids entertained, or soak up the atmosphere from the stands, there’s something happening throughout the evening.

Visitors can enjoy:

• A wide range of food and drink options

• The popular Everyone Active Family Zone

• Themed entertainment across the ground

• A lively crowd and fantastic matchday atmosphere

And new for 2026, social spaces include the Pimm’s Garden and Tanqueray Shed. It’s the perfect mix of sport, entertainment and summer socialising.

Themed Blast Nights in 2026

Each Blast fixture in 2026 brings its own unique theme and atmosphere, creating unforgettable experiences across the summer.

Rivals Week

One of the biggest nights in the Blast calendar sees Durham take on local rivals Yorkshire in a match packed with intensity and atmosphere. Expect passionate crowds, dramatic moments, and a derby-day feeling that makes every ball matter. Join us on Friday 29 May for Rivals Week.

Summer Social – Taylor Swift Tribute Night

A perfect blend of cricket and music, Summer Social brings a party atmosphere to Banks Homes Riverside.

Fans can enjoy a Taylor Swift tribute performance alongside the action on the field, making it a fantastic evening for groups of friends looking for a lively summer night out. Join us on Saturday 6 June for the Summer Social.

Women’s T20 Derby

Durham Women take on Yorkshire in a fiercely contested northern derby. This is the first derby game for the women as Yorkshire join the Tier 1 teams this year for the first time. The fixture promises competitive cricket and a brilliant atmosphere as fans rally behind Durham first against Yorkshire Women and then against Lancashire Men. Join us for our second Durham v Yorkshire Derby on Tuesday 9 June.

Women in Sport Night

Women in Sport Night celebrates the incredible impact of women’s sport across the region.

Durham Women take centre stage in a standalone fixture against Lancashire Thunder, with clubs and teams from across all sports encouraged to attend together.

The evening will feature:

• Club team photos shown on the big screen

• Social spaces including Pimm’s Garden and the Tanqueray Shed

• A vibrant atmosphere celebrating women’s sport

It’s a brilliant opportunity to support Durham Women while recognising female athletes from across the North East. Join us for our Women in Sport fixture on Friday 3 July.

Super Sunday

A day of cricket and family fun takes over Banks Homes Riverside with a superhero-themed double header.

Durham Women face The Blaze before Durham Men take on the Notts Outlaws, with entertainment throughout the ground including:

• Roaming superhero characters

• Dedicated photo opportunities

• Activities in the Everyone Active Family Zone

It’s a fun-filled matchday designed especially for families and younger fans. Grab your capes and join us on Sunday 5 July for super sunday.

The Greatest T20 Show – Season Finale

The final home match of the season promises to be an unforgettable night as Durham hosts The Greatest T20 Show.

Fans will enjoy a spectacular atmosphere featuring:

• Stilt walkers roaming the ground

• Fire breathers lighting up the evening

• Traditional fairground games including hook-a-duck and coconut shy

• A thrilling double header featuring Durham Women and Durham Men

With the season reaching its climax, it’s the final opportunity to experience Blast cricket at Banks Homes Riverside, and it promises to go out with a bang. Join us for the greatest T20 show on Friday 10 July.

The Perfect Summer Night Out

Blast cricket at Durham offers something for everyone.

You can come for the cricket, the atmosphere, the music, or simply to enjoy a summer evening with friends. Matches are fast, exciting and easy to follow, even if it’s your first time watching cricket.

It’s ideal for:

• Groups of friends looking for a summer night out

• Families wanting a fun day of sport and entertainment

• Sports fans eager to see top-level men’s and women’s cricket

• Anyone looking for a unique event in Durham

Be Part of the Blast

From derby clashes and themed entertainment to dramatic finishes under the lights, the Vitality Blast is one of the highlights of the summer at Durham Cricket.

Explore the fixtures, choose your favourite themed night, and experience the excitement of T20 cricket at Banks Homes Riverside.

Get your tickets and be part of the Blast this summer. Or better yet, grab a season ticket and save yourself ££.

Get your season ticket here.

Get your single match tickets here.