Three years in, and the Alderley Edge Cricket Club Sporting Lunch has firmly cemented its place as one of the Northwest business community’s must-attend events, with 420 guests filling the club marquee for another sell-out occasion. This year’s event delivered everything it promised: outstanding speakers, fantastic networking, plenty of laughter, thousands of pounds raised for charity – and we were once again delighted to put our name to it.
The only thing hotter than the speaker line-up was the weather. With temperatures soaring into the mid-30s on one of June’s hottest days on record, ties were quickly abandoned in favour of shorts and polo shirts. Thankfully, former Lancashire and England cricketer Paul Allott was once again on hand to expertly steer proceedings, keeping the afternoon moving at the perfect pace while entertaining the audience from start to finish.
Familiar Faces & Legends At The AECC Sporting Lunch
The sporting stories came thick and fast. Billy Foster, legendary caddy to Tiger Woods, Seve Ballesteros, Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood (to name just a few!) had guests captivated with tales from a remarkable career of his life on the bag. Among those enjoying the afternoon were former England footballer Mark Wright, Manchester City legend Mike Summerbee OBE, Terry Conroy, ex Stoke and ROI winger, Sale Sharks Premiership winner, Dean Schofield, and ex-England and Derbyshire cricketer Johnny “Animal” Morris, adding even more sporting pedigree to an already impressive gathering.
Making a welcome return was the irrepressible David “Bumble” Lloyd. The former England Head Coach and broadcasting favourite had the audience in stitches with his trademark wit, larger-than-life personality and stories that, for obvious reasons, are probably best left off the printed page!
Every great sporting lunch needs a headline act, and this year’s certainly didn’t disappoint.
Sir Geoff Hurst took to the stage to a rapturous reception. Sixty years on from England’s historic World Cup triumph, the only man ever to score an outfield hat-trick in a World Cup Final captivated the room with stories, humour and humility. It was a privilege to hear from one of English football’s true icons and the standing ovation that followed wasn’t just deserved, it felt inevitable.
As if the sporting stories weren’t enough, speed artist Dave Sharp once again left the audience speechless. Producing stunning giant portraits of David Bowie and Freddie Mercury in under ten minutes each, he is not only hugely talented, but he also never once seemed under pressure! And when the hammer finally fell at auction, the two pieces alone raised almost £10,000 for the Michael Carrick Foundation, whose work creates opportunities for disadvantaged young people across Greater Manchester and the Northeast. The Foundation’s goal is to help them feel safe, valued and inspired to reach their full potential. It was a fitting cause for an afternoon built around bringing people together.
C&C was well represented throughout the day, with Malc, Rob Black, Paul Trafford, Corran Barnes, Joe Fay and Miles hosting clients and insurance partners across three tables. Alongside the entertainment, the event provided another excellent opportunity to strengthen existing relationships, forge new ones and catch up with friends from across the business community.
A huge thank you goes to Nick Hamilton and Jess Allwright from InConnection, who once again delivered a flawlessly organised event, as well as to John Berry and his amazing team at Alderley Edge Cricket Club, who somehow managed to serve an exceptional lunch to 420 guests despite the challenging conditions. Thanks also to Debbi Smith from C&C for helping coordinate the project from our side. It really was a fantastic team effort.
Reflecting on another hugely successful Sporting Lunch, Malc said:
“This event just keeps getting better. Attendance has grown by around 70% in only two years, which says everything about how much businesses enjoy it and the value people get from coming along. It’s a brilliant opportunity to reconnect with clients and colleagues, meet new people and enjoy some world-class entertainment in a relaxed setting.
Sir Geoff Hurst was absolutely outstanding and, in a World Cup summer, his stories couldn’t have been better timed. Huge credit also goes to everyone involved in organising the day. Delivering an event of this scale in those temperatures was no easy task, but it ran seamlessly. We’ve received so much positive feedback already, and it’s fantastic exposure for C&C with both our Commercial and Private Clients. Add in a few laughs along the way, and what’s not to enjoy?”
With another sold-out crowd, world-class speakers, thousands raised for charity and countless new business conversations sparked, the 2026 C&C Sporting Lunch proved once again why it has become one of the highlights of the corporate calendar.
So, whilst the crowd were definitely on the pitch, you’d be a fool to think it’s all over…
The next C&C sponsored Sporting Lunch is already in the diary for 24 June 2027!
