The smell of sizzling burgers will accompany the sound of leather on willow as Carlisle Cricket Club takes part in Cricket Fest 2017.

Replacing the annual open day, Cricket Fest will include coaching for kids and hospitality for parents and supporters at the club’s Edenside home.

Visitors will also be able to watch a top-of-the-table clash today as Carlisle’s seconds take on Braithwaite.

“It’s something that’s backed by the ECB [the England and Wales Cricket Board],” club secretary Mark Davidson told The Cumberland News .

“We used to have an open day and that’s been replaced by Cricket Fest, which is taking place at clubs across the country.”

The first event of the day today will be all-stars cricket for children aged five to eight – between 8.45am and 10am – where bacon sandwiches will be served in the pavilion.

At 2pm, Carlisle seconds will take on Braithwaite, where a win for Olly Bradley’s men will take them top of the league.

Then, at 6pm, a family barbecue will be open to all members, players, friends and supporters.

Admission is £3 for members and £4 for guests and includes a burger.

The club is also inviting supporters to listen to Bryan Adams’ gig in Bitts Park from within its own grounds.

Tomorrow, Carlisle’s first XI will host Cleator in the County Cup semi-final.

Davidson added: “Carlisle Cricket Club is delighted to open it’s doors once again and roll out the welcome mat for what should be a fantastic cricket event with something for all the family at Edenside.

“The committee has worked hard since the devastation of the floods which hit sports clubs in Carlisle, and here at Edenside we have turned the corner both on and off the field.

“We have a full day and evening of entertainment plus two mouth watering home fixtures over the weekend.”