The Premier presented a $75,000 cheque to Somerset Cricket Club yesterday to back the club’s role in the “uniquely Bermudian celebration” of Cup Match.

David Burt said the cash, donated by the Ministry of Economic Development and Tourism, will be used to cover the costs of setting up for the massive crowd expected for the annual cricket match against St George’s Cricket Club.

Mr Burt said the holiday was a cornerstone of Bermudian culture and deserved government support.

He added: “The Cup Match classic is so much more than a two-day cricket game — it is an event steeped in Bermuda’s history.

“This increased level of support from the Bermuda Government is essential to ensure that as a country we uphold our cultural traditions.”

Mr Burt said the donation was the largest given to Cup Match by any government.

He added: “in our platform we said that we will make sure that we support places that will enhance our culture and I think that Cup Match is a uniquely Bermudian cultural celebration.”

Vashun Blanchette, president of Somerset Cricket Club, said the club was unused for much of the year and the cost of preparation for Cup Match often came from electrical, plumbing and structural maintenance.

Mr Blanchette said: “There are many costs associated with Cup Match and this generous donation will go a long way to offsetting that and, ultimately, ensuring that the Cup Match classic is a financial success for Somerset Cricket Club so we can continue to service our members and youth programmes.”

The Ministry of Finance also waived the duty on equipment used to build scaffolding for Cup Match stands.

The Ministry of Public Works donated bins for recyclable material, trash bins, 1,000 blue bags for recyclables and carried out educational programmes to encourage vendors to recycle.

Mr Burt said the donation will be given every year to the host club and arranged by the ministries of Social Development and Sports, Economic Development, National Security, and Public Works.

Wayne Caines, national security minister, said that police and private security officers will be deployed at the ground to help ensure public safety.

He added it would also be the first time CCTV cameras were used at the games.

Mr Caines said: “We’re encouraging everyone to come, not only to the Somerset Cricket Club, but to any of our public spaces. As long as everybody understands that we can come together in a safe community event, we believe that we can continue to make it a safe space.”