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Where is Bramble Bank?
Bramble Bank is a sandbank located in the Solent, the strait that separates the Isle of Wight from mainland England. It is situated off the coast of Southampton and is a well-known landmark in the region. It is most famous for being the site of an annual cricket match that takes place on the sandbank during low tide.
What is the Bramble Bank Cricket Match?
The annual Bramble Bank cricket match is a very special cricket game, and one of the most unique cricket matches in the world because it’s the only cricket match that takes place in the sea.
Specifically, it takes place on the Brambles sandbank in the Solent during low tide, once a year. The sandbank is exposed only during low tide and becomes submerged by the incoming tide, making it a unique and unusual location for the cricket match.
The match is played between two teams of sailors and is considered a unique and unusual event due to the fact that it takes place on a shifting and unstable surface. The match is usually held in August and attracts a large number of spectators and participants.
Note that the match has been cancelled in some years due to safety concerns, as the sandbank can become submerged by the incoming tide in a matter of minutes. Pictures and video of the event often show them standing around watching the game with their boats nearby. Obviously, they need the boats to get there and back again, this is the only cricket match that takes place in the middle of the sea!
When does the Bramble Cricket Match take place?
Matches typically takes place each August during low tide when Bramble Bank is exposed enough for the match to take place, but really the date of the match is determined by the weather and tides more than anything else. The changing tides mean that Bramble Bank doesn’t hang around long, and matches can be over in an hour.
However, when the weather is good the organizers are able to capitalize on the popularity of sailing and other water-based activities in the Solent.
How did Bramble Cricket begin?
The first recorded Bramble Bank cricket match was played in August 1982, and it has become an annual event ever since.
The origin of the Bramble Bank cricket match comes from the idea of a group of sailors from the Island Sailing Club. The match was started as a fun and lighthearted event for members of the club to enjoy, and it has since become a fixture of the local maritime community.
The match is organized by the Island Sailing Club and is played between two teams of sailors from the club, known as the “Bramble Busters” and the “Bramble Bashers.” The match is considered a unique and quirky event that showcases the unique maritime traditions and culture of the region.
The Bramble Bank cricket match is now organized by the Island Sailing Club and has attracted a large following of participants and spectators over the years.
How popular is the Brambles Bank Cricket Match?
It’s difficult to estimate the exact number of people who watch the Bramble Bank cricket match, as the event takes place on a sandbank in the Solent and is therefore not held in a designated stadium or venue.
However, the match has become a popular and well-attended event over the years, with many spectators gathering on boats or the nearby shore to watch the action. You can see pictures and video from recent events in the links below.
The unique and unusual nature of the event, combined with its location in a picturesque part of the Solent, has made the Bramble Bank cricket match a popular draw for both local residents and visitors to the area.
Bramble Bank Cricket in the media
The Bramble Bank cricket match has been covered by various news outlets over the years, due to its unique and unusual nature, including by several national newspapers in the United Kingdom. Due to its unique and unusual nature, the event has attracted the attention of journalists and media outlets, and has been featured in articles and news stories in a variety of national newspapers, including The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, and The Times, among others.
These articles often focus on the quirky and lighthearted nature of the event, as well as the challenges faced by the players on the shifting and unstable surface of the sandbank and the camaraderie and fun that are a hallmark of the event.
ITV also published a story about the cricket match in the Solent in 2019.
The event is not widely known outside of the United Kingdom, but it is possible that it has been mentioned in international news stories or travel articles about unique and unusual events in the UK.
You would think this sort of quirky, british tradition would be ideal for some celebrity supporters, but we couldn’t find any celebs that have ever taken part or expressed an interest.
That being said, the match is well-regarded by those who attend, and it is considered a fun and lighthearted celebration of the maritime traditions of the region.
The Island Sailing Club and the Brambles Cricket Match
The Island Sailing Club is a sailing club located in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight in the United Kingdom. The club was established in 1887 and has a long and rich history of promoting sailing and maritime activities in the region. The club offers a range of facilities and activities for its members, including sailing courses and events, a well-equipped marina, and a lively social scene.
The players in the Bramble Bank cricket match are typically sailors and members of the local maritime community, and the teams are composed of sailors from the club who come together to play a lighthearted and fun match on the sandbank. The players in the Bramble Bank cricket match are not professional cricketers, but rather sailors who enjoy the sport and the festive atmosphere of the event.
The Island Sailing Club is well-regarded in the sailing community and is considered one of the premier sailing clubs in the United Kingdom. The club is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and it attracts a diverse and passionate membership who are passionate about sailing and the maritime culture of the region. The club is also active in supporting and promoting local sailing events, including the annual Bramble Bank cricket match, which is organized by the club.
You can find more information about the club and its facilities, events, and activities on their website. Additionally, you can contact the club directly for more information about membership and how to get involved in the sailing and maritime activities offered by the club.
Is there anything else like Brambles Cricket in the UK?
There are many unique and unusual sporting events and activities in Britain, but there is nothing quite like the Bramble Bank cricket match. The fact that the match takes place on a shifting and unstable sandbank during low tide makes it a truly one-of-a-kind event, and it is considered a quirky and lighthearted celebration of the maritime traditions and culture of the region.
However, there are other quirky and unusual sporting events and activities in the UK that are worth exploring, such as the annual World Gravy Wrestling Championships in Lancashire, the World Pea Shooting Championships in Cambridgeshire, and the World Bog Snorkeling Championships in Wales. These events offer a unique and entertaining twist on traditional sports and are a testament to the creativity and inventiveness of the people of the UK.
The Bramble Bank cricket match is a unique and unusual celebration of the maritime traditions and culture of the region, showcasing the local sailing community, and has become a fixture attracting a large following of participants and spectators over the years.
Image credits
- Mark Pilbeam / The Brambles Cricket Match / CC BY-SA 2.0
References
- https://islandsc.org.uk/bramble-cricket-match/
- https://calendarcustoms.com/articles/brambles-cricket-match/
- https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/bramble-bank-cricket-pitch
- https://www.countypress.co.uk/news/19569081.annual-cricket-match-played-mid-solent-bramble-bank/
- https://www.itv.com/news/meridian/2019-09-01/annual-bramble-bank-cricket-match-in-middle-of-solent
- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/video/news/video-2498719/Video-Stunning-drone-footage-catches-annual-cricket-match-Solent.htmlhttps://www.maritimefilming.com/brambles-bank
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bramble_Bank#Cricket_match
