Not everyone who books a lane at HECC is there for solo practice. A lot of our bookings are groups looking for something a bit different, birthday parties, work socials, stag and hen dos, school trips and club get-togethers. If you have never booked a cricket net for a group before, here is everything you need to know.
Why book a cricket net for a group event?
Cricket nets are not just for players who already know what they are doing. A group session is a brilliant way to try something new together, whether that is a birthday party, a corporate team day out, or just a fun excuse to get everyone together indoors. Our Indoor Net Hire facility has five wide lanes, so a big group can split across several lanes and everyone gets a proper turn.
It works well for:
- Birthday parties, for both kids and adults
- Stag and hen groups looking for something active and different
- Corporate team days and work socials
- School trips and holiday clubs
- Family gatherings where not everyone plays cricket regularly
How group net hire works
Booking for a group is much the same as booking a solo lane, you just need to think about numbers and timings a bit more. Here is a simple breakdown of what to expect.
| What you need to know | Details |
|---|---|
| Lane capacity | Up to 8 people per lane for adult or mixed groups |
| Number of lanes | Five lanes available, so larger groups can spread across more than one |
| Deposit | £36 per lane, taken off your final bill |
| Booking method | Book online, by phone, or by email |
| Bowling machine | Can be added to any lane for an extra charge |
If your group is bigger than one lane can hold comfortably, you can simply hire two or more lanes at the same time. This is popular with corporate groups who want everyone playing at once rather than taking it in turns.
Adding bowling machine hire to your event
One of the easiest ways to make a group event more fun is to add a bowling machine to your lane. This means people who have never bowled before can still get stuck in, and it keeps things moving quickly if you are working through a big group. The machine comes with an automatic feeder, so there is no need for someone to stand there feeding balls in by hand. It is a nice option for birthday parties where guests might not all be confident bowlers, and it works just as well for a corporate team day where you want everyone involved without long queues.
What is included in a group booking
Every group booking includes full use of the lane for the hour you book, with our proper ECB specialist flooring, shock absorbers and strong lighting so the ball is easy to see even later in the day. You do not need to bring any special kit, though players are welcome to bring their own bat or pads if they prefer. There is free parking on site, and the venue is an easy drive from Bishop’s Stortford, Harlow and Stansted.
If you want to build a full afternoon or evening around your net session, take a look at Our Events page for other activities that can be added on, such as workshops for batting, bowling or fielding.
Planning tips for group and party bookings
A few simple things make a group booking run more smoothly:
- Book early, especially for weekend slots, since these are popular with clubs and families.
- Confirm numbers ahead of time so we know whether you need one lane or several.
- Let us know if it’s a special occasion, such as a birthday, so we can help make sure everything is set up properly.
- Bring comfortable trainers, since normal outdoor cricket spikes are not needed indoors.
If you are organising a larger event, it is also worth thinking about basic safety planning, such as making sure there is always someone responsible for the group and that everyone knows where the exits and toilets are. The Health and Safety Executive has some clear, practical guidance on managing an event safely that is useful reading for anyone organising a group activity, even a small one.
Ready to book your group session?
Whether it is a birthday party, a work social or a school trip, our team can help you work out the right number of lanes and add-ons for your group. Get in touch through our Contact Us page, or call us on 01279 724782, and we will help you plan the perfect session.