Once again cricket fans will be on the edge of their seats come Summer 2009 with the Ashes test hitting our shores. Lets hope it will be as exciting as it was in 2005. I will never forget my three days at Trent Bridge that summer, largely due to the fact that the Aussie team were actually staying in the same hotel as me. Standing next to Shane Warne at breakfast waiting for the baked beans is not an every day occurrence!

8th July - 12 July : Cardiff
16th July - 20th July : Lords
30th July - 3rd August : Edgbaston
7th August - 11th August : Headingley
20th August - 24th August : The Oval

The Brit Oval will of course be one of the venues hosting the Ashes.

If you would like a better chance of obtaining Ashes tickets for the Oval, why not become a county member – the cost is £150. Join before the end of August 2008 and this will enable you to priority ticket purchase before they go on sale to the general public.

Personally I’m really disappointed that Trent Bridge will not be hosting the Ashes as I consider it to be the next best ground after Lords. The decision to use Sophia Gardens Cardiff is however reliant on an ambitious development of the site which must pass local council planning. The Rose Bowl, Hants will host a one-day international.

All of these great cricket venues have extensive conference and banqueting facilities. Our venue finding team here at The Conference People know these venues really well and therefore can negotiate great rates on your behalf.