All set for a weekend of sun, celebrities and cricket

TO ISLANDERS, it is Moss Field. To everyone else it is Herm International Cricket Ground and this weekend it will host the Lord's Taverners annual celebrity cricket match.

Last year former England captain Mike Gatting described it as 'a lovely ground with amazing scenery'.

EastEnders actor Steve McFadden said it was 'the best charity event I have ever been involved in'.

Lt-Governor Air Marshal Peter Walker called it 'a perfect environment' and 'a positive contribution to the island'.

And Lord's Taverners regional chairman Derek Shepherd said the field

'rivals any cricket pitch in the world for scenery'.

With such fantastic endorsement from the organisers and players there is no doubt this second Herm Ashes will be a great event.

Starting at 11am on Sunday 1 July, the match aims to raise as much money as possible for children's charities.

The field is free to enter, and there will be a beer tent for refreshments as well as a barbecue tent. Own barbecues and dogs are not permitted, although visitors are welcome to bring picnics.

For cricket lovers there is a great game to watch. And for the rest of us there is the chance to meet and greet the celebrities, who are always happy to pose for photos and sign autographs. Last year they even had time before the last boat to mingle with guests in the Mermaid Tavern.

Celebrities taking part this weekend are EastEnders' June Brown, Ricky Groves and Cliff Parisi. Chris Tarrant and Lorraine Chase will be returning for the second year, and there will also be an appearance from actor Ben Jones from the BBC drama Doctors.

From the sports world, there will be commentator Jim Rosenthal, Welsh rugby legend Scott Gibbs, New Zealand opening batsman Lou Vincent, England and Somerset fast bowler Andy Caddick, and county cricketers Shaun Udal, Paul Franks, James Kirtley and Nic Pothas.

The forecast is looking fantastic, so it is worth making the trip over for the day. Or make the most of the sun and enjoy a celeb-filled weekend.