THE historic C&G Cheltenham Cricket Festival begins on Wednesday when Gloucestershire play local rivals Worcestershire in the LV County Championship.

The Groundsmen are working hard to set up the Cheltenham College Ground in preparation for the 11 days of first class cricket.

During the Festival, which is held from July 30 to August 10, the College ground will host five cricket matches, including two four-day LV County Championship and three one-day Natwest Pro40 matches.

The Festival sponsors, Cheltenham & Gloucester and, Glos CCC will continue to encourage the new generation of cricketers by providing the C&G Game Zone.

This area is set aside for youngsters for playing cricket, coaching, competitions and other activities.

It is definitely a favourite with the many youngsters visiting the ground.

In addition to the cricket Gloucestershire will again host the "Beating of the Retreat" by the Band of the Prince of Wales's Division on the Thursday, July 31 following a successful debut at the 2006 Festival.

This year the band will also play during the tea interval. The main performance will start 20 minutes after close of play.

Tickets for this can be purchased from the club, however, spectators and members already in the ground are invited to stay to watch the Beating of the Retreat at no extra cost.

Cheltenham Festival Fixtures: July 30: LVCC vs Worcestershire (11am start).

August 3: NatWest Pro40 vs Nottinghamshire Outlaws (1.45pm).

August 5: NatWest Pro40 vs Sussex Sharks (1.45pm).

August 6: LVCC vs Leicestershire (11am start).

August 10: NatWest Pro40 vs Hampshire Hawks (1.45pm).

Tickets cost £14 for adults and £7 for under-16s on the gate for the LVCC matches.

Tickets for the NatWest Pro40 matches can be bought in advance for the discounted price of £13* for adults (£16 on gate) and £6* for under-16s (£8 on gate).

A family ticket (2 adults and 2 under-16s) is also available for the NatWest Pro40 matches at £33* in advance or £40 on the gate.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the ticket line on 0117 9108010, on www.glosccc.co.uk or by visiting the Ticket Office at the County Ground during office hours.

*Please note that advance ticket prices are available up to 48 hours before the date of the game.