It's Cup Match time again, and that means two things will happen next week:

1. Somerset will square off against St. George's for the right to carry away Bermuda's most beloved sporting prize, and

2. Barmuvinjam will stage the crowning jewel of Bermuda summer parties with Soca versus Reggae 4: The Official Cup Match After Party!

This year's version has been dubbed "The Live Edition" and will feature performances from surprise guests artists singing their hits live on stage at Snorkel Park. The format, as always, will be a strictly-for-the-love-of-music "prize fight" between soca (the two-time defending champion), and reggae (the inaugural winner of the series).

The soca team will once again be led by the spectacular Soca Twins from Germany, with able support from top local Soca Deejay D'General. This formidable team has dominated the last two events, sweeping the beach clean at Snorkel Park in 2008, and clearing the runway at Kindley Field in 2009. The added thrill of a recent Road March King performing live will surely make them quite hard to beat in 2010.

The guest artists, The Royal Gazette understands, have each produced recent hits in their respective genres, and promise to make this year's post Cup Match bash an unforgettable affair.

The very determined reggae team has pulled out all the stops in 2010, enlisting the services of the legendary Miami sound crew Poison Dart International to lead the challenge. YGS Entertainment will provide local support, and the live reggae act, I am told, is an instantly recognisable international hit-maker!

If all that doesn't convince you that Snorkel Park is the only place to be at 9 p.m. on Friday, July 30, then maybe you can be enticed by the wet zone, the two dance stages to complement the main stage, the full bar service, the top of the line security, or the opportunity to party with the Cup Match players.

That's right, all Cup Match players will be admitted free, and encouraged to revel in the abundant festivities; win, lose, or draw! And speaking of local celebrities, this year's panel of celebrity judges will include the likes of veteran artist and radio personality Ninja Cutty, and popular funny man Jah Simmons. In the event of a judges draw, however, the final say will go to the crowd, so make sure your voice is counted!

The Barmuvinjam team encourages patrons to arrive early for this event, as security will be tight, and the show will start promptly at 10 o'clock. Aiming for 9 p.m. would be wise, as there will be plenty to see and do from the moment the doors open.

Tickets cost $50, and are available at Secrets in the Washington Mall, and from Barmuvinjam executive members. The cost at the door will be higher, so get your ticket early! This event is sponsored by Digicel, Western Union, Secrets, Corona, WKD and Fiji Water.

The Barmuvinjam team would like to remind patrons that this event, although staged as a prize fight, is not a "clash" or "battle" of any sort; it's a celebration of our heritage, our culture, and our music! Now isn't that what Cup Match is all about anyway? Cup Match time in Bermuda, BACHANNAL!