This Summer we celebrated Women in Sport in Chelmsford with a new mural, an empowering street art workshop, a motivational chat with a Paralympian, and a Global Village Procession to welcome Women’s International T20 Cricket teams to the city.

We worked in partnership with Chelmsford City Council, Essex Cricket and Chelmsford For You to organise three outdoor events, taking inspiration from the new mural in Market Square created by 7th Pencil as part of Concrete Canvas, the street art festival taking place across the city in May. The piece is a bold and vibrant celebration of women in Sport, capturing the energy, diversity and achievement of women athletes from across Essex. It was commissioned by Chelmsford For You, Chelmsford City Council and Essex Cricket.

The Global Village Procession took place on the day of the England vs India Women’s International T20 Cricket match. After an afternoon of dancing, performances and pop-up cricket related activities in front of Shire Hall on Tindal Square, we walked with communities to the Cricket Ground. The procession was led by Bhangra drummers and dancers, so shoppers, our international guests and cricket lovers alike were welcomed to the city by a festival of colour and noise!

Street artist 7th Pencil hosted an afternoon of drop-in workshops for young people to make their own wearable art in the form of giant medals, to celebrate themselves, their achievements and inspirations.

This was followed by a motivational chat with Paralympian Anne Wafula Strike MBE, who features on the mural. Anne was on Market Square in conversation with Claire Gevaux, CEO of Culture Chelmsford. The event also brought in voices championing women across the city, with shout-outs from 7th Pencil, The Feminine Way, Ideas Hub Chelmsford, SPARK! and Dose Festival. The event was part of our Stand Up For Diversity programme which brings people together to celebrate diversity across the East of England.