The Golden Oldies movement first began in the late 1970's when Tom Johnson - one of New Zealand's foremost Rugby loose forwards of the 60's, introduced the idea to Air New Zealand.
The first world Cricket Festival was held in 1984 in Auckland, New Zealand. From these humble beginnings Golden Oldies Cricket Festivals have ventured to all corners of the globe. Venues for past Festivals include:
| 1984 | Auckland | New Zealand |
| 1986 | Brighton | England |
| 1988 | Brisbane | Australia |
| 1990 | Vancouver | Canada |
| 1992 | Christchurch | New Zealand |
| 1994 | Birmingham | England |
| 1996 | Sydney | Australia |
| 1998 | Cape Town | South Africa |
| 2000 | Rotorua | New Zealand |
| 2002 | Vancouver | Canada |
| 2004 | Sunshine Coast | Australia |
| 2006 | Colombo | Sri Lanka |
| 2008 | Queenstown | New Zealand |
| 2010 | Harrogate | England |
How does a city win the bid to host a World Festival?
The first consideration is the ability of the Host City to provide the facilities and services to ensure an enjoyable Festival. The World Secretariat and Air New Zealand consider all applications, looking at such issues as:
- The attractiveness and appeal of the city for Golden Oldies and their partners and families. (Questionnaires are sent to Golden Oldies teams seeking their preferences for destinations and their Festival expectations).
- The range and standard of sporting facilities available.
- The availability of suitable, reasonably priced accommodation meeting the different needs of teams.
- The availability and ability of a Festival committee to plan and manage a successful Festival.
- The opportunity the Festival will create to support the sport at a local level.
Attendance at a Golden Oldies World Festival can be to experience the indescribable. Participants expect the games will be highly organised and the whole Festival a masterpiece of co-ordination, but importantly they are there for the true love of their sport.
