Festival of Red Ball Cricket returns for 2025

Surrey's Festival of Red Ball Cricket will return for a second year in 2025, with the festival taking place during the fixture between Surrey and Essex at the Kia Oval 23-26 May. The fixture will celebrate 180 years of Surrey CCC with a series of activities planned to mark the Club and the venue's anniversary and will be supported by Ambassador Cruises.

The festival aims to champion the County Championship and encourage a new group of fans to attend and enjoy the red-ball format. The Club is calling on Members and supporters to get behind the Surrey team and to pack out the Kia Oval for the fixture between two of the best teams over recent years.

Members will receive an additional four guest passes for the fixture, there will be a beer festival on all four days of the fixture as well as coaching sessions for U16s in the indoor centre at the Kia Oval. Further details for activities over the four days of the fixture will be announced in the coming months.

Last year saw a 21^st century record for County Championship attendance at the Kia Oval with 6,311 fans turning up for the opening day of the fixture between Surrey and Essex and 13,151 supporters across the course of the game. The fixture saw particular success in encouraging Members who don't usually attend County Championship fixtures to watch the game, with nearly 1,000 Members who came to the game having not attended a red-ball fixture earlier in the summer.

Ambassador is renowned for delivering incredible experiences and warm hospitality to guests sailing on its two small-to-mid size ships: Ambience and Ambition. With more UK regional departures than any other cruise line, Ambassador provides authentic adult-only experiences to the 50-plus market combined with a selection of multi-generational itineraries. Sailing from eight ports across the country, it promises to deliver unforgettable moments at every port of call, offering guests amazing entertainment, outstanding cuisine and exceptional service while sailing to breathtaking destinations: all for the best value.

Steve Elworthy, Surrey CCC Chief Executive, said "We were blown away by the support we had last year for the Festival of Red Ball Cricket and we can't wait to make this year even bigger and better.

"The County Championship is the pinnacle of the domestic game in this country and we want to encourage as many people as we can to turn up and enjoy two top teams going head to head. The red ball game is part of the Club's DNA and we will do everything we can to ensure it stays that way.

"We're calling on all Surrey Members who cherish the red ball game to get behind the event, to spread the word and to pack out the Kia Oval for the fixture."

Gordon Nardini, Chief Marketing Officer at Ambassador Cruise Line, said: "As a proud part of the Surrey Family, we are delighted to get behind this initiative. Like a good cruise, red ball cricket is all about a long, unfolding journey with incredible moments that capture your imagination along the way."