Top stars set for cricket festival (From Dorset Echo)

Top stars set for cricket festival

10:04am Wednesday 20th August 2008

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WEYMOUTH'S beach cricket festival will now be a fully professional affair made up entirely of international stars past and present.

Organisers had originally planned on staging a four-day extravaganza with amateur cricketers lining up alongside big names.

But project co-ordinator Jon Dixon says the format has now been revised into a single-day event comprising solely of cricketers from famous club Lashings World XI.

The club, which boast the likes of ex West Indies captain Richie Richardson and South Africa ace Herschelle Gibbs on its books, is now overseeing the entire festival.

Mr Dixon said: "It promises to be an exciting day and it's all completely free to watch.

"Where else could you see cricketers like these for absolutely nothing?"

The September 5 event will see three six-a-side teams - England, Asia and the Rest of the World, all made up of Lashings World XI players - going head to head.

The famous club also has stars such as former New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns and ex England ace Adam Hollioake in their ranks.

Mr Dixon had originally hoped to stage a junior competition and a gala dinner alongside the international contest over the four days.

But that left him needing to raise around £60,000 and a lack of sponsors has forced him into a rethink.

Mr Dixon said: "The apathy from local businesses was astounding.

"But I think the credit crunch has hit people hard and we've accepted that firms just aren't going to invest.

"There have been a few businesses who have really helped out but ultimately people just haven't the money."

Mr Dixon admitted he was downhearted at having to downsize but is still eagerly looking forward to the festival.

"At one point I thought we were going to have to pull the plug," he added. "It was disappointing because we had the infrastructure in place for the four days.

To buy tickets contact Lee Atkins at Lashings World XI on 07786 712118 or email him at lee@lashings.co.uk For more information contact Mr Dixon on 07876 242802.

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