Why does cricket work so well as a hospitality event?

The amount of time that you get with your guests is so precious. For a Test match, most guests arrive at 10am for breakfast, an hour before the cricket starts. If people stay until the end, usually between 6.30-7pm, even if you’ve got a large group of guests with you, you will be able to circulate and spend good quality time with all of them, something which not many other events offer.

What is so special about Lord’s and the Nursery Pavilion?

At Lord’s, AOK Events always provides a good breakfast followed by champagne, Pimm’s, beer, wine, soft drinks – if you can drink it, it will be there. Along with a delicious lunch there are also opportunities to meet ex-cricketers, answering any questions you may have as well as providing ‘Instagrammable’ moments in the build-up to the game. After a few more hours of cricket there is afternoon tea, accompanied with bottomless alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day.

If you get there early, the nursery ground offers opportunities to see both teams warming up outside in the nets. Being able to get close to the likes of Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow before they head out for the day is a unique experience that takes you closer to the action.

Is cricket the only hospitality AOK Events offer?

We only sell official hospitality, but there’s plenty to choose between. In our 22 years’ experience in hospitality, we’ve worked as preferred agents and key rights-holders for some incredible events. We’ve just sent over 1,000 people to Wimbledon, a terrific success, helped by the weather and Cam Norrie getting to the last four. We’re an official agent of Wembley Stadium, and we’ve worked with the ICC Cricket World Cup, Formula 1, a number of Premier League football clubs, Cheltenham Festival and many more.

Hospitality has seen a significant demand post-Covid, as people are proactively looking to spend face-to-face time with their clients and colleagues after two years of having to make do with dodgy connections over Zoom. People have missed going to a live event, getting great seats, enjoying delicious food and drink and spending quality time with others.

What is availability like for upcoming fixtures including the first Test match between England and South Africa?

Obviously, England’s recent performances against New Zealand and India have accelerated demand. England are playing a brand of cricket that is so exciting, ensuring the punters are glued to their seats watching a remarkable transformation take place before their eyes.

There are a few tables left for the South Africa Test, which is expected to sell out. Demand for the India ODI was phenomenal. Similarly, for the Ashes next year, we’ve already started to see many enquiries from our corporate clients who want to book early to guarantee their place.

How can people get into our official hospitality for Test matches such as England v South Africa at Lord’s?

The first option is to give the brilliant team at AOK Events a call on 020 8222 8420 or to email them on hello@officialcrickethospitality.co.uk. Quote ‘Wisden’ for a five per cent discount on places for England versus South Africa. But hurry, the discount is only availably for the first five enquiries, and only before Friday July 29. Places are also subject to availability.

You can also go to www.officialcrickethospitality.co.uk to take a look at the upcoming fixtures and get in touch by filling in the enquiry form.