Sussex doubts resurface over festival weeks

Sussex have again questioned the viability of cricket festivals at Horsham and Arundel, suggesting that at least one of them could be dropped next season unless there are more indications of commercial and community interest.

Most at risk over recent seasons has been Horsham, which looked under threat two years ago before a late influx of sponsorship gave it a stay of execution.

Festivals have been in gradual decline for decades as counties have invested heavily in their main grounds, commercial support has wavered and players, the media and some spectators have come to expect better facilities.

Zac Toumazi, Sussex's chief executive, has told BBC Sussex about Sussex's cricket festivals: "We all love it and all want it but very few want to pay for it. I am a massive supporter of it but the economics have to be considered."

Sussex's chairman Jim May sounded even more pessimistic. "Our takings at Horsham and Arundel were considerably down last year on the prior year - gate money by over 30% while hospitality wasn't good at all. It is the old cliché: 'use it or lose it'. Unless we get significant sponsorship I find it highly likely we will only be playing at one festival ground in 2016."

Only part of that decline could be put down to a disappointing Sussex season that ended in relegation in the Championship, especially as crowds at Hove actually rose on the previous year.

Horsham CC is one of oldest cricket clubs in the world. The first recorded game for a side based around the town was in 1771, the club dates back to 1806 and has been at its current ground at Cricketfield Road since 1851.

"I've been clear I would like the festivals to continue," Toumazi said. "We look at the model all of the time but I can't guarantee what the outcome will be."