Warwickshire County Cricket Club (WCCC) has announced a partnership with Warwickshire County Council to secure the staging of a festival of cricket next month in Stratford.
The County Council has agreed to underwrite the event to secure the festival’s second year in Stratford.

The Bears will play their four day Frizzell Championship match against Hampshire CCC starting on Wednesday 25th May at Stratford Cricket Club’s picturesque riverside ground. The Festival will also include the excitement of a totesport League match when the Warwickshire Bears take on the Scotland Saltires - the Scottish national team - on Sunday 29th May.

The festival atmosphere and spectator appeal will be heightened by an array of leading international players. Australian legspin legend and Wisden’s international cricketer of the year Shane Warne will lead the Hampshire team prior to joining up with his colleagues for the Ashes series against England, while former England opener Nick Knight will be aiming to guide the Bears to another win in the Frizzell County Championship.

Supporting him will be Zimbabwe’s record wicket taker Heath Streak, the Bears overseas signing for the new campaign. In addition, Bears legend, Andy Moles will be returning to the county in his new role as coach of the Scotland Saltires.

Daily tickets for the Stratford Cricket Festival 2005 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; details will be announced in the near future.