What’s on at Tunbridge Wells Cricket Festival 2015

Festival cricket always provides the county circuit with something a bit out of the ordinary, and this year’s enhanced Tunbridge Wells Cricket Festival is no different.

Two temporary stands have been built courtesy of sponsorship from local businessman Freddie Cook, the managing director of GS Consultants and vice-chairman of the West Kent Lord’s Taverners.

The stand increasing the capacity of the ground so that two limited-overs fixtures can be staged alongside the four-day LV= County Championship game against Essex, starting on on Sunday (19 July).

Day one of the centrepiece LV= County Championship match is Ladies’ Day with La Belle Femme Fashion on the Outfield during the lunch interval.

Former England wicketkeeper Jack Russell will showcase a range of his artwork and Made in Kent stalls will showcase a range of locally made crafts throughout the day.

Look out for paintings and prints by artists Guy Portelli and Natalia Palamarchuk, Younique skincare products, hats by Victoria Hansen, ceramics by Louise Goddard, vintage china by Sue Leach and candles by Joanne & Ray Lynes.

Entry is free on all four days for under-16s, with the fourth day costing only £5 on the gate for adults.

The Festival kicks off with a sell-out NatWest T20 Blast crowd to see Kent Spitfires take on Glamorgan in a bid to seal tip spot in the South Group. No tickets are available on the gate. Entry for Kent Members & ticket holders only.

Spectators can meet the Spitfire Sweethearts, Spitfires’ mascot Victa and get the autographs of the Kent players after the match.

There is also the opportunity to take on the Spitfire Challenge to win your weight in beer and your chance to win £1,000 of prizes with Grand in the Hand.

Kent’s new competition is open to any spectators wearing the official Grand in the Hand T-shirt who catches a six on the full in the crowd (terms and conditions at www.kentcricket.co.uk)

Lord’s Taverners volunteers will be making collections during the festival and during the last fixture, the Royal London One-Day Cup game against Essex Eagles on Sunday July 26, the charity will be presenting a new minibus to Broomhill Bank School in Rusthall.

The 50-overs per side match, starting at 10.30am, provides a wonderful family day out and – in short – there is lots to be enjoyed during the six-day festival for both young and old at the picturesque Nevill Ground.