BUY your tickets in advance or get there early. That's the advice of Kent's head of marketing Jon Fordham ahead of the county's double-header return to Beckenham this weekend.

The club are expecting near sell-out crowds approaching 6,000 for Sunday's National League clash with Gloucestershire - their first visit to the former Lloyds-TSB ground in Worsley Bridge Road since 1954 - then again for Monday evening's Twenty20 Cup debut against Hampshire.

Kent's marketing team have sold eight marquees for each game and shipped in 5,000 additional seats to the New County Ground Beckenham after what is described as astounding interest.

"Advance ticket sales have gone through the roof and we're already recommending to those travelling to get a ticket in advance rather than turn up on the day without one," said Mr Fordham.

"We are planning to let cars in well ahead of Sunday's 1pm start. On Monday, we'll be looking to open the gates by about 2pm so that people can get in early and start enjoying what we hope is a special atmosphere for the Twenty20."

Unlike half the 18 first-class counties taking part in the Twenty20, Kent have resisted changing their coloured kit, but players will take to the field in Beckenham to music.

The Metropolitan Police dog display team will be at the ground on Monday, as well as games for children.

The Gurkha Band will perform on Sunday, as well as Kent's quirky stilt walkers, and there is free face painting for children.

The gimmicks will increase for Surrey's arrival at the St Lawrence Ground on Monday, June 23 for a televised cup tie when player anthems, a large TV replay screen, karaoke and barbecue zones will add to the flavour of Twenty20.

Gates open at 10am on Sunday and 2pm on Monday.

* THE New County Ground Beckenham is in Worsley Bridge Road and buses LRT 351, 252 and 356 pass the ground with stops in that road. Lower Sydenham and Beckenham Junction are the nearest rail stations.

By car, follow south circular road sign posted toward Lewisham, take A21 leading to Lewisham High Street and follow Bromley signs. Turn right onto A2015 Beckenham Hill Road, then right into Stumps Hill, then take a right into Worsley Bridge Road.

There are two areas for parking for the disabled. Entrances. Main Gate: Worsley Bridge Road (no cars).

Copers Cope Gate: Pedestrians and cars.

North Gate: (Top of Worsley Bridge Road where it meets Copers Cope Road) Pedestrians and cars.

Overflow car park: Fitness Exchange (Old Nat West Ground) off Copers Cope Road. Members' Areas: Pavilion and in front of Pavilion.