BTA News Release: St George’s, Bermuda, July 24, 2019 – More visitors to Bermuda are getting a taste for the culture of Cup Match thanks to a new activation in the Town of St George.

For most of July, ‘A Taste of Cup Match’ has taken place every Monday and Wednesday so visitors can experience the island’s biggest summer festival, even if they are not out here for the actual holiday.

A Taste of Cup Match continues today, and on July 29 and 31. Locals are also encouraged to attend with their families, particularly as the holiday nears. A rapid-fire schedule of events is on offer, all launching from within the Old Towne and jam-packed with Cup Match-themed activities.

Led by the Ministry of Tourism and Transport and the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA), and funded by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the collaborated effort is to encourage more visitors to St George’s and expose guests to local traditions, culture, sport and food.

Glenn Jones, BTA Chief Experience Development Officer

The BTA’s Chief Experience Development Officer, Glenn Jones, explained: “With funding support from our friends at Norwegian Cruise Line, we were able to start Cup Match early in St George’s and it’s working out well for our visitors who can experience Bermuda’s summer traditions literally coming alive.

“History is always the headliner in S  George’s given the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, but the pick-up cricket game in King’s Square with former Cup Match captain Clay Smith and a new train-trolley tour to St George’s Cricket Club have been the standout highlights for me. On the tour, East End entrepreneur Kristin White and St George’s Club President Neil Paynter have been exceptional cultural ambassadors for or visitors.”

White’s tour narrates the historical significance of Cup Match and the holiday’s roots in the 1834 emancipation of Bermudian slaves.

“A free half hour trolley-train tour takes visitors to St George’s Cricket Ground at 10am, 11am and 12:15pm,” she said.

“Passengers are met by President Paynter, or a delegate, and shown the grounds, now in the final stages of preparation in readiness for next week’s match.”

Visitors can also learn the ways of Crown & Anchor, although with poker chips in place of money.

And in true Cup Match spirit, visitors choose Cup Match colours and wear Family Centre ribbons to show their choice. The effort funded by NCL helps local families in need.

St George’s Corporation Secretary Candy-Lee Foggo said: “The streets have a festive atmosphere, now decorated with Cup Match colours and pole banners featuring Cup Match legends, we have some retail stalls in the square and buskers playing throughout the Old Towne. With food samples from local restaurants offering a taste of authentic Bermudian fare and Ashley’s Lemonade with her refreshing drinks, there’s something for everyone.”

Other activities include a behind-the-scenes ‘Mysteries & Majesties Tour’ tour of St Peter’s Church, and every day the St George’s Corporation re-enacts yesteryears’ dunking of the town “nag” into the harbour on a ducking stool as the Town Crier stands by. All activities are geared for Mondays and Wednesdays to benefit NCL passengers, but all visitors and locals are welcome to attend.

Events occur every Monday and Wednesday from 10am – 2pm and locals are encouraged to join the festivities in St George’s in the lead-up to next week’s Cup Match holiday.

For more information, visit the BTA Visitor Services Centre, York Street, St George’s, from 10am to 4pm.

  • Feature Photo Courtesy of BTA