Windies now reggae boys

London -It is enough to make an MCC member choke on his cucumber sandwich and spill his tea on the floor of the Long Room. Instead of the traditional marching band, the sound of drum'n'bass and Jamaican reggae will resound around the traditionally staid surroundings of some of England's most famous cricket grounds this summer.

A performance by reggae band Third World and Jools Holland at Lord's this month will launch Channel 4's 'Caribbean summer' in an attempt to woo a younger audience to the sport during the Test series between England and the West Indies.

The Lord's opener on June 29 will see bands play on the pitch during the lunch interval. Further shows will take place at Old Trafford in Manchester, Headingley in Leeds and The Oval in London later in the series.

Performers taking part include the drum'n'bass guru, LTJ Bukem, Jamaican reggae star Beenie Man and brass band the Black Dyke Band.

David Brook, Channel 4's director of strategy, said: 'When Channel 4 first acquired the cricket we planned to bring a fresh approach to the game and to bring new audiences in. So the arrival of the West Indies is a great way to a introduce a Caribbean flavour.'

As well as the shows within the grounds, the channel is planning to set up giant screens in public parks where cricket fans will be able to watch the action free. There will also be swimming pools and sandpits to recreate island life.

The first event will be at Roundhay Park in Leeds from August 17 to 20 during the Headingley game, while discussions are continuing for a similar event at Clapham Common in south London during the Oval Test from August 31 to September 3.

Among Channel 4's season of programmes will be Caribbean Mate, a Barbados version of the dating show Street Mate, and a look at nationalism and independence on the Caribbean islands in Darcus Howe: Trouble In Paradise.

A special Richard Blackwood Show and Rebel Music, a tribute concert for reggae legend Bob Marley, are also lined up.