Hampshire will be offering reduced entry fees for their Yorkshire Bank 40 match against Essex next month, as the Ageas Bowl Family Festival returns.

The event proved an overwhelming success last year, prompting the club to bring it back this season.

The Royals’ home clash with the Essex Eagles on Sunday, August 11, is the chosen game, with tickets cut down to £5 for adults, while under-16s get in free, provided they are accompanied by an adult.

As well as live music and activities for all the family around the ground, there match ball will be parachuted in by the Red Devils – the British Army’s Parachute Regiment display team.

Commercial director Stuart Robertson said: “I am delighted that, with the support of our ground naming partner, Ageas, we are able to open up the ground to the local community once again this season.

“Both teams are competing for semi-final qualification from 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?”

Paul Lynes, the director of communications and public affairs at Ageas UK, 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.”

Tickets are available from tomorrow and can be purchased online, over the phone on 0844 847 1863 (24 hours a day), or in person at the Ageas Bowl’s ticket office during normal office hours.