SCORCHING weather greeted the arrival of the inaugural women’s softball Cricket Festival on Sunday.

Organised by the Berkshire Cricket Foundation, the aim of the events, which continue through the remainder of the summer, is to attract a new audience for the game by providing a different kind of cricket experience.

In the first festival at Maidenhead & Bray CC, participants also enjoyed a BBQ alongside kids’ activities like a bouncy castle and face painting.

Further events take place at Falkland CC (2pm on Sunday, July 9), Hurst CC (noon on Sunday, July 23) and Henley CC (1pm on Sunday, August 13).

A festival is also due to take place at Slough CC, with details to be confirmed.