THE Cheltenham Cricket Festival is upon us. July 10 will see the first ball bowled.

Chairman Roger Cooke spoke for all Gloucestershire when he said: "It is my first Cheltenham as chairman. I am really excited."

He has many reasons to feel that way. Advanced ticket sales are 60 per cent higher than last year, corporate bookings are well up but it is the cricket that is whetting the appetite.

Firstly the team is doing well in both forms of cricket. There are talented new players (Miles, Roderick, Hammond) to look out for, as well as high-scoring Michael Klinger. Leading the side at Cheltenham is something he has been looking forward to ever since he decided to join us. Kent and Worcestershire provide attractive championship opponents.

To win both matches would give us a real promotion chance. To beat our neighbours Worcester would be a triumph to savour. They are without doubt our bogey team.

There is an extra dimension to this year's Brewin Dolphin Festival. T20 cricket comes to Cheltenham for the first time. The message from county headquarters has always been - if the fixtures allow we will bring T20 to the north of the county.

Not only do we have three matches - look at our opponents! Nearby Warwickshire, Glamorgan and Northamptonshire. For this competition we are strengthened by Australian international Dan Christian.

Dan is no shrinking violet - he can impose himself both with the bat and ball. Speaking to Alex Gidman and Hamish Marshall I was made well aware of their happy anticipation. "T20 will work beautifully at Cheltenham," said Hamish.

Alex agreed referring to the short boundaries and expected big crowds. Both players are looking forward to the atmosphere and thrills these games will provide. I must stress that these two senior men are batsmen not bowlers. It will at times be tough for our attack.

To accommodate the expected large crowds the capacity has been increased. Ground administrator Peter Hall tells me the crowd limit is now 5,000. A fair balance between stands and tents has been achieved and all that is needed now is sunshine.

The county club are very grateful to the sponsorship of Brewin Dolphin, who in turn are delighted to be associated with the oldest and, of course, best festival.

The Golden Heart from Birdlip are returning to the delight of all who relished the food and drink on offer last year. Those of you who know the Nettleton Bottom pub will share my anticipation.

There is one new feature. Mercedes Benz who have given our captain a car for the season, will have a stand. Astonishing deals are currently available and I realise I could afford to drive one. Do not tell Mrs Light.

Abercrombie and Fitch are again sponsoring the youth coaching and Jack Russell will have a marquee there.

The Festival service will be at 11.30am on Sunday, July 21, in the Chapel. For Roger Cooke it will be his first festival as chairman but for Tom Richardson it will be his last as chief executive.

Tom has always fought for the future of the festival and won a mighty battle to obtain this year's fine fixture list. Often the first to arrive and the last to leave, his commitment is complete.

Tom does not hide. He yomps around the ground often in shirtsleeves and if the weather is inclement wearing dodgy footwear.

The best way to say thanks to Tom - for it is thanks he deserves - is just a simple word, a nod and a smile. Give him a final working Cheltenham to remember.

I hope that is exactly what it will be for all of us. My Cheltenham memories go back to 1949. Each year has brought an extra delight, I wonder what this year will bring? A win over Worcester, good weather and exciting T20 matches will suffice as far as the cricket is concerned. Just to be there with my wife and being club president is a dream come true.