Gloucestershire County Cricket Club have announced that the dates for next year's Gloucester Festival have been changed.

The original dates of 24-27 May (County Championship v Worcestershire) and 28 May (NCL v Lancashire) have been changed to Friday 16 - Monday 19 June (for the Vodafone Challenge against Zimbabwe).

Colin Sexstone, Chief Executive of the Club says: "The unexpected clash of dates with the Benson & Hedges semi-final meant that that if any one of Gloucestershire, Worcestershire or Lancashire were involved at this stage of the competition, then the dates of the 2 Festival matches would have to change. If 2 or more Clubs were involved or if Gloucestershire were at home then the change of dates would be even more complicated. This uncertainty would be difficult enough at a headquarters ground, but for a festival it would be unacceptable; therefore the club has decided to end this uncertainty by moving the Worcestershire and Lancashire games to Bristol, with the four day match against Zimbabwe going to Gloucester. This will be the first Test playing country to visit Gloucester since 1974 and with a mid-June date it should be a very attractive match."

In addition the club has confirmed that they will return to Gloucester in 2001 for the traditional County Championship and NCL fixtures, probably during June.

Gloucester City Council has also confirmed their continuing support of the Festival and the club hope to announce a sponsor in the next few weeks.