Hampshire cricket are giving families across the south and members of the local community the opportunity to sample a day of cricket for free as part of The Ageas Bowl Family Festival.

The ground will be opening up its gates to the public for its Clydesdale Bank 40 match against Surrey on Sunday, August 19 - the same day Saints kick-off their Premier League campaign at Manchester City - and, in addition to the action going on on the pitch, there will also be a fun-fair, live music and much more to keep the whole family entertained.

Group Commercial Director, Zac Toumazi said: “I am delighted to announce that, with the support of our ground naming partner, Ageas, we are able to open up The Ageas Bowl to the local community for our CB40 match between the Hampshire Royals and Surrey.

“Both teams are competing at the top of Group B so the cricket should be fantastic. But it is also a great opportunity for people who, perhaps, haven’t watched a lot of cricket or don’t usually come to matches here to give it a go and experience a great day out all round.

“It’s a Sunday in the middle of the children’s summer holidays – what better opportunity to try something new?”

Members of the public and Hampshire Cricket Members wishing to come to the event must apply for tickets from Thursday, July 19, and should do so by applying online at tickets.ageasbowl.com . Tickets are limited to four per person.

Anyone who has already purchased tickets for this match will have their money refunded; their ticket will still be valid. Hampshire Cricket Members will be invited to an exclusive drinks reception before gates open and can take up to three guests into the Members’ Area.

CEO of Ageas UK, Barry Smith said: “We are delighted to be supporting ‘The Ageas Bowl Family Festival’. We very much look forward to welcoming members of the local community to the ground, and it will be a great opportunity to have a fun day out with family and friends.”