AN unusual team will be hosting a cricket festival in Palmer Park this weekend.

The Maasai Cricket Warriors, who hail from the Laikipia region of Kenya in Eats Africa, will be the special guests at a cultural celebration this Sunday (2) between 1pm and 6pm.

Organised by the Mojatu Foundation, the team's appearance will be part of a larger UK tour, their first visit to the country, and will see local people being given the opportunity to play a game of cricket with the Warriors.

As well as playing, they will perform a traditional dance and give a fashion show of traditional Maasai costume.

The event, which aims to raise awareness of female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriages, has been organised by the Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality (ACRE) and the Utulivu Women’s Group, with support from Reading Council, Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust and the Mojatu Foundation.

Formed in 2007, the Maasai Cricket Warriors are fierce advocates of gender equality. They have swapped their spears for cricket bats, using sport to share messages against social injustice, FGM , early forced marriage and wildlife conservation in Kenya and globally.

Victor Koroma, Manager at ACRE said: “We are all really looking forward to meeting the Maasai Cricket Warriors and learning more about their rich, colourful culture. This is a great afternoon of free family entertainment with an important message at its heart and I’d encourage the local community to come along and support the event.”

James Mugo, ACRE’s Chair, said: “We are especially grateful the warriors are advocating the end of FGM and forced marriages. As community group, we work tireless to eradicate these harmful practices, not just here in Reading, but from the mother countries too, for the wellbeing of all our communities.”

For more details please contact: 07859063643 or 01189 510 279, email: info@utulivu.co.uk or info@acre-reading.org