Surrey’s record-breaking Festival of Red Ball Cricket returns this month at the Kia Oval as Surrey take on Essex (Fri 23 – Mon 26 May) in the Rothesay County Championship.
The celebration, which drew record-breaking attendance in its inaugural year in 2024, is extended from one day to four days and is building up to be a spectacular show of the longest format. The Club seeks to set a new record attendance as we celebrate the incredible support for the format across our fan base.
Supporters are encouraged to visit the Kia Oval to watch the two top-quality red-ball teams go head-to-head, enjoy a literary festival, participate in free cricket coaching sessions and get your hands on a bespoke 180th anniversary Surrey shirt, amongst many other special activities across the weekend, at one of the best cricket grounds in the world!
Last year saw a 21st-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 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. With Early Bird Adult tickets costing just £10 and Juniors £1, the long Bank Holiday weekend makes a perfect family day out.
Key Activities for Supporters
- Be part of a record-breaking attendance event
- Stroll around and play games on the outfield at lunch and tea
- Food and drink festival
- Literary festival with guests
- Special limited edition 180th Anniversary shirt on sale
- Cricket coaching sessions
This summer’s Festival, supported by the Club’s partners at Ambassador Cruise Line, aims to champion county cricket and will commemorate 180 years of red-ball cricket at Surrey County Cricket Club and the Kia Oval. The Club will celebrate the landmark by launching a limited-edition Surrey shirt in collaboration with Castore that gives a nod to the history of the Club and Three Feathers’ success in the format. The limited-edition, special 180th anniversary shirt will be available for Members and spectators to purchase online and in the Club Shop in a special presentation box.
The Pavilion forecourt and the concourse under the SSE Energy Solutions stand will form the bustling hub of the Festival, where spectators will be spoilt for food and drink choices. Our partners at Brixton Brewery will be bringing a variety of craft beers as part of a beer festival element. Those who enjoy their cask ales will have the opportunity to meet the brewers around the Nip Back Inn, which will be serving a range of real ales to the customers. Surrey Tavern will also be open and serving the drink options available on every other Rothesay County Championship match day at the Kia Oval, including non-alcoholic beverages and alcohol-free beers.
Alongside a selection of sandwiches, sweets and ice cream, spectators can treat themselves to freshly-made pizza from Pizza & Co, burgers from Gamekeeper, fish and chips from Deep Blue, wraps and more from The Duck Shed. Coffee as well as salad and sandwiches, will also be available at Naked Ground Coffee. Fans can sit and enjoy their meals from additional benches in the concourse.
New for 2025 will be a literary festival, with former England international Roland Butcher and The Cricketers’ Huw Turbervill, among others. The authors will sit down for a panel discussion before signing copies of their books. Coaching sessions with Surrey Cricket Foundation for U-16s, a family favourite last summer, will also run on days two and three in the Ken Barrington Indoor Centre.
At lunch, both sides of the outfield will be opened up for fans to set foot on the hallowed turf at the Kia Oval to take a look at the playing wicket, set up their own impromptu game or just soak up the south London sunshine.
Fans in the stands will also have a chance of winning a magnum of Pommery, thanks to the Club’s Official Champagne Partner. Ambassador Cruise Line will also be offering spectators the opportunity to enter their giveaway competition and win a cruise with them. More details about how to enter will be released on Surrey’s social media channels ahead of the match.
As announced previously, Surrey Members will receive an additional four guest passes for this high-profile red-ball fixture, Essex Members will get a 50% discount on their tickets, and general admission tickets are available at an Early Bird price now until 19 May.
Further details will be announced and confirmed ahead of the match.
