UK sports venues will switch on floodlights for Wednesday's solar eclipse

A partial solar eclipse expected on Wednesday will darken the sky across the UK, prompting organisers of The Hundred cricket competition to illuminate all four matches with floodlights. The eclipse will block up to 90% of sunlight from 6.17 pm to 8.06 pm, peaking shortly after 7 pm, and is the first of its kind in 27 years. In addition, Kempton racecourse will run its 7 pm and 7.30 pm races under lights, with clerk of the course Barney Clifford confirming early activation to avoid any loss of daylight.

The Welsh Fire women face London Spirit in Cardiff, while Birmingham Phoenix host MI London at Edgbaston, and the men’s fixtures follow later in the day. One outlet will carry every Hundred game live, and officials urge spectators to wear certified solar-eclipse glasses for protection.