GLOUCESTERSHIRE'S NatWest T20 Blast derby against Somerset will be the biggest ever attendance at the ground for a domestic match.

More than 11,000 people will watch Michael Klinger’s men do battle with their local rivals on Friday night – a record for a domestic match at the Brightside Ground, Bristol.

The club is urging supporters to buy their tickets in advance, as there will not be tickets available to buy at the gates on the day.

Additional seating in place for the upcoming England v Sri Lanka One Day International on June 26, means over 3000 more people will watch the game this year than in 2015 - which was also a sell-out.

Gloucestershire chief executive Will Brown says advance ticket sales have been bolstered by the chance for fans to experience the first ever West country Derby under floodlights.

He said: “Gloucestershire v Somerset is one of the great sporting rivalries and having it here at the Brightside Ground, under our new floodlights will only add to the atmosphere.

“The lights have also allowed us to push our start times back to 6.30pm this year which has helped ensure more people are able to get here after work – not just from within Bristol but from Gloucestershire as a whole.

“Friday night T20s in Bristol are always wonderful occasions and with two great rivals going head-to-head, this promises to be one of the most exciting matches we have ever staged.”

Those lucky enough to have a ticket will be able see some of the stars of world cricket in action.

One of the most eagerly anticipated battles will see Gloucestershire’s Australian international fast bowler Andrew Tye pit his wits against Somerset’s record-breaking West Indian batsman and self-styled “Universe Boss” Chris Gayle.

The match also sees two of T20 cricket’s most experienced batsmen come up against one another. Home fans will be cheering on skipper Michael Klinger – the highest ever runscorer in the Australian Big Bash League - while visiting supporters will be rooting for Sri Lankan legend Mahela Jayawardene, a man with nearly 26, 000 international runs to his name.

To deal with the record-crowds, Nevil Road – the street outside the Brightside Ground - will be closed from 2pm until one hour after play.