Thanks to its mild Mediterranean summer climate and rainy winters, Corfu is easily the most verdant of the Greek isles. Add to this more than a hundred miles of coastline, an enthusiastic nightlife, charming tavernas and regular direct flights to Corfu's International airport, Kapodistria, and it's easy to appreciate why Corfu has remained one of the most cherished Ionian destinations.

Festivals are a constant feature throughout the year with many small local feast days celebrated in towns and villages, the fabulous Sardine Festival at Benitses and the acclaimed Varkarola Music Festival at Paleokastritsa, both held around mid-August. But this year sees a new attraction added - surely unique among the Ionian islands - The Corfu Cricket Festival.

The Festival was launched in London at the Long Room, Lord's and got off to a great start in Corfu this spring, running throughout the summer to its conclusion in September and October. It has been divided into four sections including a youth division for 14 to 18 year olds, a Returned Greeks Festival, a Schools Festival and a traditional cricket section.

Incongruous though it may seem, cricket has a long history in Corfu. The first game to be recorded was played on St. Georges Day in 1823 between the British Garrison and the Royal Navy then serving the Island as a British protectorate. Within a few short years it had become a popular sport among the island's own population.

Eventually, the British Naval presence departed but the game had taken root and has continued to prosper. Corfu now boasts several first-rate cricket facilities. There is the Marina Ground in Gouvia plus the brand new Ropa Valley Ground which lies adjacent to Corfu's golf course.

The Corfu Cricket Festival itself is being held at the Esplanade in Corfu Town - the only cricket ground in the world which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and will become an annual fixture from this year onward.