THE Queen’s Jubilee celebrations promise to be special for many reasons but for Cherry Tree Cricket Club, it promises to be one of the biggest weekends in the club’s history.

On Friday, June 3, broadcasting legend Henry Blofeld will be the guest of honour and commentating as a Cherry Tree XI take on the Harlem Globetrotters of Cricket, the Lashings World XI made up of leading former international cricketers.

Then on Sunday, June 5 over 1,000 people are expected to enjoy a rousing Last Night of the Proms-style event featuring the Blackburn Symphony Orchestra.

Henry Blofeld, Blowers to his legion of fans, will be joined at Cherry Tree by West Indian test legend Sir Gordon Greenidge who is Lashings’ ambassador for the day.

Already confirmed for the Lashings’ team are former England test players Devon Malcolm, Saj Mahmood, Martin Bicknell, Chris Lewis, Owais Shah and Chris Schofield along with Pakistan all-rounder Yasir Arafat.

A special marquee will be erected at the ground and a lunch and reception will be held before the T20 match giving fans the chance to meet the players. Tickets for the lunch and VIP seats for the T20 are £45 and are selling fast.

The gates will open at 3pm to the public with the match starting at 4pm, admission is £5 payable on the gate.

Organiser Ian Robertson said: “This event has been three years in the making as we invited representatives from Lashings to come to Cherry Tree and they absolutely loved the ground. We signed a deal for them to come and then Covid struck but now finally it’s going to happen - and there couldn’t be a better time.

“It is fantastic that these great cricketers are coming to Cherry Tree. In the morning around 100 or our youngsters will get a special coaching clinic from them which will be something they will never forget.

“Then we have Henry Blofeld actually commentating live at our ground - that’s amazing”

On Sunday, June 5 the 42-strong Blackburn Symphony Orchestra will head a spectacular outdoor concert billed as Blackburn’s Biggest Platinum Jubilee Garden Party. There will also be a Music Hall Hour led by LeeAnn James, Blowjangles Street Band, Feniscowles and Cherry Tree Singing Group and Made for Stage Musical Kids.

“We want this to be a real celebration,” said Ian. “We have produced a souvenir booklet with all the words for the popular songs so people can join in and we have ordered 750 Union flags for the audience to wave.

“It really promises to be something quite special.”

Those attending can bring along a picnic but there will be also be a carvery and special afternoon tea which can be booked in advance.

For both days there will be a hog roast and a special outdoor bar is being erected.

“We hope people will come along in their red, white and blue for the celebrations,” said Ian. “It promises to be one for the generations and a weekend which people will remember for a long time.”

To reserve places for the cricket lunch and reception, email cherrytreecc@outlook.com. Tickets for the jubilee concert, priced £13.50, are available from www.cherrytreecricketclub.co.uk/jubilee