Following the outstanding success of our previous Lord’s hospitality events, we are delighted to once again present the Lord’s Long Room Lunch, hosted within the hallowed surroundings of the spiritual Home of Cricket.
For 2026, we are thrilled to announce that our first confirmed special guest will be Chris Woakes, one of England’s most respected and accomplished all-rounders. A pivotal figure in England’s success across all formats over the past decade, Woakes has played a crucial role in Ashes series victories, ICC tournaments and major home Test matches at Lord’s, where his name is proudly etched on the Honours Boards. Renowned for his skill, professionalism and insight into the modern game, Chris will offer guests a fascinating perspective on life at the highest level of international cricket.
He will be joined by two further high-profile special guests, to be confirmed in due course, completing a panel that promises world-class insight, storytelling and entertainment. These additional guests will include an overseas cricketing icon, continuing the tradition of welcoming global legends of the game to Lord’s.
Cricket continues to evolve at pace, and with England navigating a demanding international calendar and a new generation shaping the future of the sport, the 2026 Long Room Lunch offers a unique opportunity to hear expert views on the challenges, triumphs and defining moments that lie ahead, all within one of the most iconic settings in world sport.
Special Guests to be announced
Our second and third special guests will be announced shortly and will include a leading overseas name. Previous Lord’s Long Room Lunch events have welcomed legendary figures such as Brian Lara, Graeme Smith, Steve Waugh and Glenn McGrath, underlining the calibre of guest our attendees can expect.
Chris Woakes
Chris Woakes is one of England’s most respected all-round cricketers, renowned for his consistency, professionalism, and impact at the highest level. A Warwickshire stalwart, he has been a key figure for England across formats since making his international debut in 2011. Woakes played an important role in England’s 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup triumph and has been instrumental in Ashes series victories, particularly in home conditions, being named ‘Player of the Series’ in the 2023 Ashes. His outstanding record at Lord’s Cricket Ground has earned him several mentions on the famous Honours Boards, underlining his reputation as a big-match performer.
Across his England career, Chris featured in 62 Test matches, scoring over 2,000 runs at an average of 25, and taking 192 wickets at under 30 apiece, while in 122 One Day Internationals he claimed 173 wickets and contributed more than 1,500 runs. He also represented England in 33 T20 Internationals, winning the T20 World Cup in 2022, adding further depth to his all-format credentials. Renowned for his skill with the new ball, valuable lower-order batting and exceptional fielding, Chris is widely admired for his calm approach and deep understanding of the modern game. Renowned as one of cricket’s “nice guys”, his experience across Test cricket, World Cups and major franchise leagues makes him an engaging and insightful guest for the Lord’s Long Room Lunch.
Dave Fulton
Dave enjoyed a 15 year career with Kent, playing in 200 First Class matches with an average in the high 30s, and over 100 one day games. His best season came in 2001, when he scored an incredible 1892 First Class runs at an average of just under 76, being crowned PCA Player of the Year. Since retiring from the game in 2006, Dave has forged a career as a cricket journalist and event host, appearing regularly on Sky Sports’ cricket coverage. In 1993 he took the catch to dismiss Viv Richards in his final First Class innings! We are delighted to have Dave hosting our event!
Emiy Haig
We are delighted to welcome one of the UK’s best vocalists to sing between courses at our lunch. Emily’s powerhouse soprano vocals, spellbinding and dramatic performance and stunning looks, ensure that she immediately commands the stage and engages with her audience. Emily has been honoured to perform the National Anthem 27 times at Wembley Stadium, 5 times at Silverstone Circuit and Twickenham Stadium, plus amongst others, the Olympic Park, Motorpoint Arena, Copper Box and Ricoh Stadium, all of which were internationally live broadcast to millions worldwide.
Lord’s Long Room
Renowned as “the most evocative four walls in the world of cricket”, the Long Room in the Lords Pavilion has been at the epicentre of the game for time immemorial. Artwork from across the centuries adorns every wall, with the haughty gazes of the likes of WG Grace and Sir Jack Hobbs mingling with more modern icons of the game, such as Sir Ian Botham and Shane Warne. The service and catering in the Long Room are of the very highest calibre, as befits such a magnificent venue; you and your guests are sure to be enchanted by the whole experience.
