The Hundred Announce Collaboration With BBC Music Introducing For This Summer's Competition

The Hundred - a new 100-ball cricket competition - today announces Coach Party will perform at The Ageas Bowl on August 16. The Hundred will see sport and entertainment collide on a scale never seen before as world-class cricket and a strong line-up of live music fuse to create one of the must-see events of the summer.

Music artists have had the majority of their planned performances cancelled in the past year and The Hundred poses a new opportunity for them to get back out in front of their fans this summer. Fresh talent, like Coach Party, that has come through the regional BBC Music Introducing platforms will be performing at local grounds. Thanks to broadcast partnerships with BBC and Sky, performances will be enjoyed by fans at home as well as those in the grounds.

Coach Party says: “Southampton, we’re on our way! What a return to live performances this is going to be. Can’t wait to hit the stage at The Ageas Bowl and get back to doing what we love. Hope to see lots of you there!”

Further cementing the music credentials of The Hundred, local DJ Steph Nieuwenhuys, will be embedded into the Southern Brave team, curating a unique soundtrack, reflective of the city and the people, players and artists within it. The music on offer at each game is designed to bring fans right into the action and will all be live. From walk-out music, to game reaction sounds, the venue DJs are in full control of the sound of their team.

DJ Steph Nieuwenhuys says: “I'm super excited to be DJing at The Hundred! I have to keep pinching myself! Huge names in cricket, a new competition and live music - it's going to be a special summer and I cannot wait to soundtrack the mighty Southern Brave!”

The line-up of music talent comes as part of The Hundred’s ambition to throw cricket’s doors open to new audiences this summer, welcoming in families and inspiring the next generation to say that cricket is a game for them.

The same commitment led to the launch of The Hundred Rising: a programme of opportunities for 100 people across England and Wales to get involved in producing the competition. The opportunities include the chance for a budding local presenter to co-host at The Ageas Bowl alongside seasoned pros throughout the summer. Southern Brave’s Rising Host will be selected ahead of competition launch and they’ll join TV presenter and blogger Kenzie Benali on stage throughout the competition. 

Kenzie says: “One of the things I’ve missed most throughout the pandemic is presenting in front of a live audience, so to be able to do that at The Hundred this summer is going to be so special. It’s particularly exciting that I’ll be presenting in my hometown Southampton. I’ve spent many happy days watching cricket at The Ageas Bowl over the years so I’m really looking forward to adding to those memories with some Southern Brave action. This brand-new format of cricket really is going to be epic and something that everyone can enjoy. I can’t wait to see all the action unfold on the pitch, lots of happy faces in the stands and to be a part of the entertainment. I’m counting down the days already. Roll on the competition!”

Southern Brave player Tymal Mills says: "Numb/Encore by Jay Z and Linkin Park is the perfect hype track for me. I hope I get to walk out to it at some point in the competition - I’ll see if Steph Nieuwenhuys [Southern Brave DJ] can make that happen for me. Bring on the tunes, bring on the cricket!”

Sanjay Patel, The Hundred Managing Director says: “In collaboration with BBC Music Introducing, we are curating a real festival line-up to deliver a ground-breaking music programme that is integrated into a world-class sporting event, unlike anything that has been delivered before.

“Each of the acts, DJs and Hosts we’ve announced embody the spirit of The Hundred in their own way and they’ll be bringing the energy all summer long. With fast-paced cricket on the pitch and live music performances off it, we’re delivering on our promise to provide entertainment for the whole family.”

The Hundred promises a summer of unforgettable sport and epic entertainment to enjoy with friends and family. Tickets are great value for money: £5 for under 16s with adult tickets starting at £10, under-fives go free. Aside from the first two games on July 21 and 22, tickets give you the chance to see a women’s and men’s game. Refund policies will be in place should matches be affected by Covid.

To get access to tickets, access team merchandise and get the latest news for The Hundred, click here.