The Cricket World Cup rolls into Durham this week for the first of three fixtures at Chester-le-Street's Riverside ground.
Sri Lanka take on South Africa on Friday June 28, before the West Indies play the Sri Lankans on Monday July 1. England round-up the Riverside matches with a game against New Zealand on Wednesday July 3.
In Durham city itself, a fanzone opens on Friday in Millennium Square and the Market Place.
It will be open for three days, showing live matches from the tournament including Friday’s Sri Lanka vs South Africa clash at Chester-le-Street and hosts England taking on India on Sunday.
The ICC’s City Celebrations, which are taking place at ten host venues across the UK, provide the opportunity for local cricket lovers to enjoy an authentic Cricket World Cup experience, and to do so in the company of fans visiting the county for the tournament from home and abroad.
There will also be the chance for fans to try out Street Cricket which will be hosted in Millennium Place.
Cllr Simon Henig, Leader of Durham County Council, said: “We’ve been waiting so long for the Cricket World Cup and we’re excited that finally it’s almost upon us.
“We can’t wait to welcome cricket fans from home and abroad to County Durham and having them staying in local hotels and spending money in shops can only be good for our economy.
“We hope everyone will enjoy the fanzones which will allow cricket fans and those who are new to the game the chance to enjoy the matches at a truly international event with a real carnival atmosphere.”
Michelle Gorman, managing director at Visit County Durham, said “The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will boost the region’s visitor economy as we prepare to offer a very warm North East welcome to fans from the UK and around the world. The free fanzones in Durham City this weekend will create a real buzz for visitors and residents, ensuring that everyone can be a part of Durham’s Cricket World Cup fever.”
The fanzone will be open on Friday from 10am to 7.45pm for Sri Lanka v South Africa from Chester-le-Street.
On Saturday it will be open from 10am to potentially 10.45pm, with fans able to enjoy Pakistan vs Afghanistan and the mouth-watering clash between New Zealand and Australia.
Finally on Sunday, the fanzone will be open for England vs India, from 10am to 7.45pm.
