Cricket Espana, in collaboration with the MCC and the ICC, is all set to host a national cricket festival on May 15. The festival includes events that will introduce Spanish locals and expats to cricket, through schools, colleges and clubs, and give young enthusiasts a chance to get some coaching and take part in cricket competitions.

Following a visit to La Manga – a five-star sports resort in Murcia – last year, where the MCC played two matches against the Spanish national team, the club decided to fund the festival, along with the ICC. The main events, including a Twenty20 competition, are reportedly scheduled to be held at La Manga.

With its Mediterranean climate, La Manga is used by various professional cricket sides, including English counties, as a training base. The resort also runs junior cricket academies, and has recently had two turf pitches and four full-length nets installed.