BOOKINGS are now being taken for a major sporting event this summer which will include several famous faces from the cricketing world.

The 300th Town Malling Cricket Festival is due to take place at Town Malling Cricket Club, Norman Street, West Malling, from Monday, July 18, to Friday, July 29.

And although the matches will be free to watch, tickets for a four-course banquet on Friday, July 22, to be attended by commentating legend Henry Blofeld are now on sale.

The anniversary festival has been organised by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council in partnership with the Kent Cricket Board and Town Malling Cricket Club, and will feature a series of high-profile matches including games against Maidstone-based Lashings Cricket Club (Thursday, July 21) and Marylebone Cricket Club (Monday, July 25).

There will also be a one-off Fleet Street versus the Australian press match on Tuesday, July 26, which will include an array of former international test cricketers and cricket writers.

Schools from across the county will also be taking part and, for younger cricketers, there will be a series of roadshows and coaching clinics featuring well-known cricketing personalities.

All the festival activities and matches will be free.

For further information on the events or to buy tickets call 01732 876177 or visit www.tmbc,gov.uk.

Tickets for the lunch cost £45 each or £40 if booked before June 1 and tables, priced at £400 for 10 people, are also available.

Booking forms can be obtained by calling the ticket hotline on 01622 200 402 or by emailing tmcc300dinner@hotmail.co.uk. Alternatively they can be downloaded from www.tmbc.gov.uk.