The Cricket Derbyshire India Club's 12th annual Diwali event took place on Saturday, 24th October, at the OurCoop County Ground, providing a vibrant celebration, delicious food and vital funds raised.
The 2026 Diwali celebrations were held in the stunning Marquee at Derbyshire County Cricket Club’s County Ground, with incredible support for this popular showpiece event. The evening featured Bhangra music, Bhangra dancers, fireworks, and a traditional Indian 3-course meal.
This was the 12th Cricket Derbyshire India Club have organised over the past 13 years. The event brings together businesses and communities from across Derbyshire to mark the Festival of Lights in true style.
The cricket Derbyshire India club Diwali event, led by Baggy Shanker MP, drew sponsorship from The University of Derby, Clowes, East Midlands Railway, Bowmer + Kirkland, OurCoop, Specsavers, AG Fencing and landscaping, Trent Barton, East Midlands Chamber, Smart Parc, Clayton & co, Unite Rolls Royce - Works Branch, URSUS constructions, FairFax Meadow, Rolls-Royce SMR, Enigma Seven & Rail Forum, Alstom, HUUB, Assystem , Aspiro Healthcare , AtkinsRéalis, Blind Screen, Derbion, East Midlands Airport (EMA), Medicine Drop, Slice of India, Smith Partnership, The Repton Clinic – raised vital funds for the Derbyshire Cricket Foundation.
The Derbyshire Cricket Foundation (DCF) is a dedicated charity that uses the power of cricket to engage and inspire people in Derbyshire to have a lasting connection with the game. The DCF provide an inclusive range of projects and activities that help work in line with our purpose of Empowering communities and improving lives through cricket. The DCF is the governing body for recreational cricket in Derbyshire and supports the development of over 100 cricket clubs as well as delivering cricket programmes to over 150 schools in the county.
Community Development Manager, Mark Barber said:
"Our Diwali Celebration is about much more than one evening of entertainment - it's about celebrating community, diversity, and the power of cricket to bring people together. Raising such a fantastic amount sets another record and a phenomenal achievement. It will make a real difference to the work we do with young people across Derbyshire. We're so grateful to everyone who supported the event. This annual event would not be possible without the fantastic support of our Cricket Derbyshire India Club members, and we are very grateful for everything they have done not only this year but since the inaugural event in 2014 ."
The 2026 raised over £32,000 and surpasses the staggering success of 2025 which raised £30,000 for the Derbyshire Cricket Foundation. In total, over the 12 events, an incredible £230,000 has been raised and these vital funds will enable us to grow our impact through the initiatives and projects that we run across Derby and Derbyshire. Being able to promote health and well-being through cricket to those communities that need it most or have limited access is so important to us. We are committed to making cricket a game for everyone and this event plays a significant part in helping us achieve that.
This event also wouldn’t be possible without the fantastic support of our Cricket Derbyshire India Club members, and we are very grateful for everything they have done not only this year but since the inaugural event in 2014.”Cricket Derbyshire India Club member & MP for Derby South, Baggy Shanker added:
"Diwali is the festival of lights - and with over £30,000 raised, we've helped light the way for young people across Derbyshire.
"These funds will give more children the chance to try new sports, make friends, and build confidence, while learning the lifelong benefits of staying active. By getting involved in sport early, we know children are more likely to develop healthy habits and enjoy the social and wellbeing benefits that come with it.
"It's an honour to help organise this special event for our community each year. I'm absolutely delighted by the generosity and support that have once again helped us break our fundraising record. The Derbyshire Cricket Foundation's commitment to creating opportunities and enriching lives is extraordinary - and this year's success will ensure they can continue their invaluable work inspiring the next generation."
Derbyshire County Cricket Club Chief Executive, Ryan Duckett, added:
"As a Club, we are always striving to celebrate the diversity within our community, and it's been great to once again to welcome people from Derby City and across Derbyshire to our 12th annual Diwali event. The Derbyshire Cricket Foundation, alongside the India Club and Derbyshire County Cricket Club, have delivered another brilliant evening at The OurCoop County Ground. The event gets bigger and bigger each year since its inception in 2014, with record funds raised again for the Foundation this year to grow their work within the city and across the county. I would like to thank all individuals and local business who have supported this event once again.”
The Derbyshire Cricket Foundation are always looking for further support from businesses and individuals that are interested in helping to Empower Communities and Improve Lives through cricket.
There are a range of sponsorship opportunities available to get involved in and to continue to support the important work that is carried out across Derbyshire.