Fuller and Herring's 10 reasons to visit the Cheltenham Festival in photos
18 July 2014
With its unique atmosphere and idyllic setting the Brewin Dolphin Cheltenham Festival is about more than just cricket.
The oldest cricket festival in the world has become a firm fixture in the county’s sporting and social calendars with more than 25,000 packing into the historic College Ground during the two week event.
To give fans a taste of the Cheltenham Cricket Festival experience, Gloucestershire players James Fuller and Cameron Herring visited everywhere from the main stand to the hospitality marquees and the Abercrombie and Kent Coaching Zone to the ice cream van.
To watch their tour of the ground in 10 photos see below.
- Welcome to Cheltenham
The Cheltenham Cricket Festival has been running since 1872. And although it has changed out of all recognition since the inaugural event one thing that hasn’t changed is the warm welcome extended to supporters from across the country.
- Tickets Please!
Last year a record 25,000 people attended the Festival and we are on course to go close to that total again this year. Tickets are still available for the T20 Blast match v Essex on Sunday July 20 and for the whole second week. To buy tickets and for more information click here.
- Great for kids
The Festival is famed for its family-friendly atmosphere and young supporters are especially welcome. As well as the action on the field, children can test their skills in the inflatable bowling net – complete with speedometer – or visit the Abercrombie and Kent Coaching Zone which is manned by qualified coaches from the Gloucestershire Cricket Board.
- Big scores
Over the years the cricket played at the College Ground has been characterized by hard-hitting and heavy run-scoring. In 20133,424runs were scored over the two weeks including 433 boundaries (392 fours and 41 sixes).
- A picture perfect setting
There are few more idyllic places to watch top class sport than the Cheltenham Cricket Festival. Whether you are sitting in the stands or find your own vantage point -as James and Cameron did - you are guaranteed a beautiful backdrop and a first class view of the action.
- Eat, drink and be merry
From hog roasts to hamburgers and ice creams to hot and cold drinks, the Festival boasts an array of options to keep you well fed and watered. For something a bit more substantial out members can also take advantage of our Premier Club food and drink packages.
- Get refreshed
In 2013 an estimated 20,000 pints were poured and 4000 ice creams served. With more hot weather around this year those figures are set to be surpassed.
- Get close to the players
James and Cameron may be barring entry into the pavilion in this photograph but one of the thrills the festival is the opportunity to meet your cricketing heroes. From current first team members wandering around the ground to legends of the game chatting in a hospitality tent, Cheltenham offers a more relaxed setting than many other grounds. With the barrier between fans and players greatly diminished there is every chance of grabbing an autograph or a friendly word with all manner of big names.
- Unrivalled hospitality
An estimated 3500 people are set to take advantage of the corporate hospitality on offer at the Brewin Dolphin Cheltenham Cricket Festival this year. The event is a wonderful place to catch up with clients, make new contacts or reward colleagues for their hard work. With a range of stylish dining tents, delicious menus and great views of the cricket, the festival is one of the country’s top destinations for combining business, fine-dining and sport.
10. Take home a souvenir
While a visit to the Brewin Dolphin Cheltenham Cricket Festival is guaranteed to leave you with some wonderful memories you can also take home a souvenir from the Club Shop to remember your visit.
Cameron was particularly taken with the wide-brim sunhats but James rather unkindly suggested that the wicketkeeper’s small stature may suit one of the Gloucestershire CCC baby t-shirts.
