FIVE days of bowling, batting and feasting begins next Wednesday with the start of the Bath Cricket Festival.

The festival, held at Bath Recreation Ground, is expected to attract more than 10,000 cricket fans for two games a four-day Frizzell County Championship between home side Somerset and Hampshire, and a tense one-day Norwich Union League match between Somerset and Leicestershire.

Festival organisers said that they expect visitors to range from hardened cricket fans to local people who simply fancy a day out in the sun.

A spokesman said: "It is a very relaxing game to watch and the atmosphere is perfect for a sunny day in Bath.

"These are two top teams so it will be great for cricket fans who don't usually get the chance to see professional cricket in the city but also great for people who want to make the most of a traditional English pastime.

"Everything will be on site, including food and drink, so people can fully enjoy seven hours of pure cricket."

Robert Appleyard, chairman of Somerset County Cricket Club's Bath and Wiltshire committee, said: "The festival has a wonderful setting right in the centre of Bath, and has seen some really good cricket over the years.

"Last year, the one-day match against Yorkshire was a real nail-biting affair, which Somerset went on to win in great style, and we're hoping this year's contest will be as thrilling."

To celebrate the launch of the festival the Bath Star has been invited to help host a special eve of festival garden party in the Holburne Museum, at Sydney Gardens, Bath.

Guests will enjoy a selection of wines and soft drinks, canapes and live music.

This is the first time such an event has been organised to launch the festival and guests will be invited to tour the museum throughout the evening, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

Other events lined up include a quiz night at the Bath Rugby clubhouse on Wednesday evening, starting at 7.30pm, and a cheese and wine evening after Thursday's game in a marquee run by the Friends of Bath Cricket Festival.

Admission to the garden party event is £15. Entrance is by ticket only. For further information call (01225) 448576.

On the door admission for the quiz night is £5 and to the cheese and wine marquee, £5.

Admission to the four-day cricket match is £10 for adults and £5 for children and to the one-day match £14 for adults and £7 for children. There will be no advance tickets.