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.

“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?”

Tickets are available from today 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.