THE first Festival of Cricket in Bournemouth is being held at the start of May.

It takes place at Dean Park cricket ground from May 1 to 4, there will be a host of cricket matches, entertainment and fun for fans of the sport and families to enjoy.

Hampshire captain, Jimmy Adams, says that he is eager to get on the field where he will skipper a full-strength team for a T20 showdown with Dorset on May 4, which aims to be the highlight of the festival.

He said: "It’ll be a great day as I spent a good portion of my formative cricketing years in Dorset. Dean Park has a wonderful history and association with Hampshire and it will be great to finally get back on the pitch there after a number of weather-affected years."

The event will feature cheerleaders, live music, colour kits and video replay technology with AFC Bournemouth manager, Eddie Howe, on hand to toss the coin and start the game.

Keith Brewer, Dorset’s county cricket development manager, said: "The match will be important also as part of the campaign to keep Dean Park as a cricket venue and so we hope for a bumper crowd."

The Dorset versus Hampshire T20 match gets underway at 2.30pm and is preceded by a county under-17s match with loads of fun events for younger players including have-a-go sessions, mini-games and skill-based activities.

On Friday, May 1, the Mayor's XI take on Dorset Ladies at 6pm, Parley CC meet Wimborne and Colehill CC at 1pm on Saturday, May 2 and Dorset CCC play reigning champions, Devon, in a 50-over match from 11am.

Dean Park will operate a full bistro bar and catering service throughout the weekend, offering teas and home-baked cakes, a local ale and cider festival, wood-fired pizza and gourmet barbecue.

For more information, call Dorset Cricket Board on 01202 881349 or go to Dorsetcricketboard.co.uk