Excitement is building ahead of the ninth Cup Match-themed tea party for seniors.

Tee’l Pre-Cup Match and Emancipation Day Tea is set to take place on the Monday before the Annual Classic pits east against west.

Attendees are encouraged to wear team colours at the event, which will feature refreshments, local entertainment and the selection of a Cup Match Queen from both St George’s and Somerset.

“We started with 59 people, and we have grown it to like 300 guests,” said organiser Terry Lee Smith.

“It’s all free of charge.

“We are just trying to get the final call out now for people to register.”

A location is still to be decided, with a couple of options being assessed.

Mr Smith added: “The responses have been fantastic, the numbers have always been great and so has the enthusiasm.

“We have got a couple of locations that we are looking at. It’s going to be a great location and great event.”

The tea party last year advocated for footballer Clyde Best to be granted a knighthood.

The party this year will not carry any specific theme, but Mr Smith said the campaigning would continue for Mr Best, as it is something the organisers “feel strongly about”.

The seniors tea will take place on July 27 from noon to 3pm.

• To make a reservation, or donation, call Rose Hart on 234-0430 or Cynthia Swan on 234-0278