WARWICKSHIRE County Cric-ket Club has announced a partnership with Warwickshire County Council to secure the staging of a festival of cricket at Stratford next month.

The county council has agreed to underwrite the event to secure the Festival's second year at Swan's Nest Lane.

Dennis Amiss, chief executive at Edgbaston, is delighted that the fixture is being repeated this year.

"Last year we attracted double the normal attendance for a championship game by staging it at Stratford, so it was clear it was a popular event and that we should do it again.

"The support of the county council in underwriting the event is much appreciated and now allows us to go forward with confidence. It is great to take cricket to such a beautiful and scenic setting."

Wonderful

John Deegan, director of planning, transport and economic strategy at the County Council said: "The Stratford Cricket Festival is a tremendous opportunity for the people of Warwickshire to enjoy two games of outstanding action with star names in a wonderful setting next to the River Avon and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre."

"As well as the obvious tourism related benefits for the area we are working towards getting schools from across Warwickshire involved and building future connections for county schools and colleges."

The four-day Frizzell Championship match against Hampshire starts on Wednesday, May 25 and the Festival will also include the excitement of a Totesport League match when the Bears take on Scotland Saltires on May 29.

The festival atmosphere and spectator appeal will be heightened by an array of leading international players.

Australia's spinning legend and Wisden's International Cricketer of the Year Shane Warne is expected to lead the Hampshire team prior to joining up with his colleagues for the Ashes series against England.

In addition, ex-Warwickshire favourite Andy Moles will be returning to the county in his new role as coach to the Scottish national team.

Daily tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for under-16s and concessions. These can be booked online at www.edgbaston.com or secured by phone from the Edgbaston ticket office on 0870 062 1902. Tickets will also be available through selected outlets in Stratford.