THE biggest holiday of the year is upon us once more. Cup Match 2008 will have the annual cricket showdown between East and West to see whose team reign supreme.

There is no shortage of fun to be had during the holiday.

Wednesday, the night before Cup Match officially kicks off, boasts one of the most anticipated reggae shows of the summer with the event The Best of Both Worlds 2008. Reggae superstar Beenie Man (pictured) from Jamaica will perform along with Shurwayne Winchester and the Traffik Band from Trinidad and Tobago.

Cup Match itself starts each day at 10 a.m. at Somerset Cricket Club where the host club will be attempting to wrest the cup back from holders St. George's in the two-day classic. Thursday celebrates Emancipation Day and this year is 106 years since the first game of Cup Match was played. Friday celebrates Somers Day and is in honour of the "Father of Bermuda", Admiral Sir George Somers.

At the event people can watch the cricket game, eat and drink from a variety of food and drink vendors, play the wildly popular gambling game of Crown and Anchor and shop at novelty stalls.

Also on Thursday there is event starting at noon at Horseshoe Beach put on by promoter Chewstick. The Third Annual Beachfest 2008 has some of the best talent Bermuda has to offer performing as well as a whole host of activities. The activities include DJs, a Beachfest Cup football tournament, volleyball tournament, dominoes, East v West tug-of-war, and Crown and Anchor for prizes.

Along with the activities there will be local singers and bands performing throughout the day. Some of the entertainment provided will include performances by RoacheKilla, Ninja Cutty, Secret PoPo, Corvin Melody, Levelz, The Semi- Charmers, BLAC, Live Wire, Swaby, Stephan Johnstone, Tiny T, Freddie G, Bad Current, Flookie and Flightline.

On Friday people looking for something to do will find fun in the form of Soca vs Reggae: The Rematch which is an event put on by promoter Barmuvinjam.

For the second year in a row the crowd will decide who the champion is as top DJs from around the world compete to see who takes the title of Soca or Reggae victor in this annual event that has come to be known as The Official Cup Match After-Party.

On the Soca side the Soca Twins from Germany, DJ Tony Tempo from Trinidad and D' General from Bermuda will delight the crowd with the sound that will make you want to get your groove on. On the Reggae side Reggaelution from Miami, DJ veteran Magnum Force from Bermuda and Shock N' Lust from Bermuda will have people getting their skank on as they play some of the hottest reggae tunes.

The event will take place at Snorkel Park in Dockyard and will start at 9 p.m. and run until 3 a.m. with an early warm-up by Immortal Vybz and Herbalist Supreme. Tickets are $40 and may be bought from Secrets.

On Saturday, G-Spot Promotions will host Special Edition Saturdayz, a party at Greg's Steakhouse that runs from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. and will feature some of the finest DJs from Bermuda. China&Bussy, Twinn Starr and DJ Kaos will play hits all night in "a great location with the best DJs at a great price of $25".

Finally, on Sunday there is the ever popular annual Bermuda Non-Mariners Race in Mangrove Bay in Somerset and is hosted by the Sandys Boat Club. The Non-Mariners Race tests the true skill of amateur boat makers as they construct boats out of anything and everything ranging from picnic tables, bathtubs and barrels and much more. The entrance fee for competitors is $25 per non-float/raft and proceeds go towards Lefroy House Rest Home in Sandys.

Also on Sunday, Playbwoy Promotions will host Aquaholism aboard the Aristocat.

This is an all-inclusive event for the Non-Mariners Race which will provide food and alcohol (beers and swizzle). The boat leaves Albouy's Point at 11 a.m. and will return around 6 p.m. Tickets are $50 and people can contact Lawrence Scott at 505-8633 for information.