COLCHESTER Cricket Festival is no stranger to being under threat. For some time it has been the last of its kind.

The Southend festival fell by the wayside in 2011 but its Colchester counterpart battled on - albeit latterly without a one-day game - until 2016.

Anyone involved in Essex Cricket would say they would much rather the festival could be included in the calendar.

But sometimes circumstances dictate otherwise and, well, business is business. The bottom line counts.

It is no secret the festival is not a money maker for the club.

There are fewer people through the gate, simply because the County Ground has a much greater capacity.

In recent years, the number of seats laid out for the festival has reduced in a bid to cut the cost of running the festival.

The club even asked Colchester Council, which owns the Castle Park ground, to waive or greatly reduce the hiring fee last year.

The ruling cabinet was split on the issue and the answer was eventually “no”.

The fixture schedule was wheeled out as an excuse last year, just as it is this year.

What a shame the counties appear to have no say in when their fixtures are played.

What a shame Essex could not take one County Championship game - perhaps the August 29 home fixture against Hampshire - away from Chelmsford.

Those fans living in north Essex, and indeed Suffolk, would appreciate the gesture in spades.

It’s important top-level sport never forgets its grassroots supporters... for its own sake.