The annual Colchester Cricket Festival began frustratingly, with leaden skies making play difficult between Essex and Leicestershire at Castle Park.

Play was due to start at 11am yesterday, but the umpires deemed the light insufficient, leaving spectators kicking their heals.

The two teams did eventually make it on to the pitch in blustery conditions - a far cry from previous summers when packed crowds have basked in the sunshine.

Only a small army of fans braved the autumn-like weather, which has kept many cricket teams in the area from completing their fixtures this year.

Essex are facing Leicestershire in the LV County Championship, with the match scheduled to last until Saturday.

The Essex Eagles then play Sussex in the Pro40 competition on Sunday.

Organisers are hoping for an improvement in the weather for the rest of the festival to attract big crowds.

Today was hoped to be dryer, brighter and warmer so play is expected to be uninterrupted.

The forecast is also more promising for the rest of the weekend.