Withy King Solicitors will sponsor the 2002 Bath Cricket Festival. The great news for the festival was announced last night at the A.G.M. of the Bath and Wiltshire Area of Somerset County Cricket Club.

Withy King sponsored this year's festival and the Area Chairman, Robert Appleyard, said 'We have been trying for some time to find a festival sponsor and were delighted this year when we signed Withy King. Their help financially was a boost to festival funds and their interest in the event and their help not only at the festival but also with all the fringe events showed their total commitment. To work with them again in 2002 is a tremendous boost and I am grateful for their support'.

Martin Powell, Managing Partner of Withy King, said 'We are delighted to again sponsor the festival and plan to build on what we learned this summer by running one or two events before the festival to open the doors for other companies to get behind the festival and make it stronger. Everybody said they enjoyed being part of the festival and it is an excellent way of repaying people we work with in business to thank them'.

Peter Anderson, Chief Executive of Somerset County Cricket Club, said 'The announcement of the sponsorship is a reward for the Bath Area Committee who have worked so hard over the years trying to get sponsorship for the festival. We are always looking for income to cover the costs of setting it up so having Withy King on board and the fact that they have brought other clients is great for the festival'

Robert Appleyard also revealed that the festival this year made a £17,000 profit due to increased corporate hospitality, attractive opponents in Yorkshire, as well as the financial package from Withy King. This was the highest figure since the advent of four day cricket and the consequent shortening of the festival.

The festival in 2002 will commence with a four day game against Hampshire starting on Wednesday 12th June and a National League game on Sunday 16th June against Leicestershire, who Somerset beat in the C & G final at Lords this year.

© SOMERSET