SOUTHEND: Cricket festival hits town

The annual Southend Cricket Festival kicks off today (4th August), with Essex taking on Warwickshire in the County Championship Division 1.

The five day event – at Garon Park – also sees Essex Eagles take on Northants Steelbacks on Sunday in the Clydesdale Bank 40 Over Division 1.

Essex have had a successful season so far – they’re through to the finals of the Twenty20 competition next weekend and sit midtable in Division 1 of the county championship.

The gathering also features an evening with Graham Gooch & John Altman, Australian cricketer Jeff Thomson Raw will also host a special evening, live music, a quiz night and a special match with a Ronnie Irani “11″ taking on Steve Tilson’s side in a fun Twenty20 game.

For more details log on to www.southendcricketfestival.org.uk