Durham Cricket Foundation’s annual Women’s Softball Cricket MegaFest reached a new milestone this summer, with 37 teams from 26 clubs coming together for a record-breaking day of cricket at Banks Homes Riverside.
The 2026 event saw 81 games of softball cricket played across four competitions in a single day, marking the first time MegaFest has been delivered as a full-day festival since its launch in 2024.
The event has continued to grow each year, with the first two MegaFests in 2024 and 2025 delivered as afternoon competitions. This year’s expanded format provided even more opportunities for women across the region to get involved, compete and enjoy the game in a welcoming environment.
Teams competed in six-a-side games, with clubs able to bring larger squads of up to eight players and rotate their players throughout the day.
Among the highlights were Annfield Plain Cricket Club and Langley Park & Bearpark Cricket Club, who both played their first ever games of cricket at this year’s festival.
For new players and developing women’s sections, the softball format provides an accessible way to take those first steps into competitive cricket, while giving established clubs another opportunity to play, socialise and build connections within the wider cricket community.
The continued growth of MegaFest reflects the wider development of women’s cricket across the North East, with Durham Cricket Foundation creating more regular opportunities for women to play throughout the year.
The Foundation’s women’s programme now includes outdoor competitions, Glow in the Dark cricket and the Indoor Bash, helping provide a consistent calendar of opportunities beyond the traditional cricket season.
Growth is also being seen at club level, with the Foundation supporting the creation of ten new women’s sections during the 2026 season through its free kitbag initiative with Newlands Sports. More than 500 women’s fixtures had already been played across the region by August, demonstrating the continued demand for accessible opportunities to play.
The growth of women’s cricket has been reflected throughout the season, with 92 teams taking part in 781 games so far in 2026. The figures underline the scale of participation across the region and provide further evidence of the growing number of opportunities for women to play competitive cricket at club level.
Marsha Davies, Head of Female Participation at Durham Cricket Foundation, said: “MegaFest has grown so much since we first introduced it in 2024, and seeing it become a full-day event this year is a fantastic reflection of the progress being made across women’s cricket.
“What makes the day particularly special is seeing such a mix of teams. We have established clubs returning alongside teams and players who are completely new to cricket, and that is exactly what we want these events to provide.
“Seeing Annfield Plain, Langley Park & Bearpark play their first ever games of cricket was a real highlight. Creating opportunities for women to pick up a bat, play their first game and feel part of a cricket club is just as important as the competition itself.
“The appetite for women’s softball cricket across the region continues to grow and we’re excited to keep building on that momentum.”
The Women’s Softball Cricket MegaFest is part of Durham Cricket Foundation’s wider commitment to making cricket more accessible, inclusive and sustainable for women and girls across the North East.
Through regular competitions, club support and opportunities for new players to get involved, the Foundation continues to work with clubs to create lasting pathways into the game and strengthen women’s cricket across the region.
Clubs across the North East looking to establish a women’s softball section or find out more about the opportunities and support available are encouraged to get in touch with Marsha Davies, Head of Female Participation at Durham Cricket Foundation, at marsha.davies@durhamcricket.co.uk.
Want to get involved in women’s softball cricket? Whether you are new to the game, returning to cricket or looking for a team to play with, register your interest with Durham Cricket Foundation to find out about opportunities to play and connect with clubs across the region.