Thousands of spectators shrugged off long waits and a delayed start to celebrate the first day of Cup Match.

Veterans and first-timers from Britain, Canada and even Luxembourg wore their colours to meet friends, watch cricket and celebrate Emancipation Day.

For six-year-old Leo “the Lion” Nelmes, it was a chance to walk on to the pitch with the Somerset Cricket Club team and shake the players’ hands.

His mother, Tiffany, said her son was an avid cricketer and followed in the footsteps of his two older brothers, who were also involved in the walkout.

She said: “It’s nice because it gives the younger kids a glimpse of their potential and they can see that, when they’re older, they’ll get to do that.

“That’s why we encourage him to do it — it’s kind of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Alex Mackenzie, Leo’s dad, said the family had waited for four hours before getting into the club, the first time they had faced a wait that long, despite arriving early.

But they were happy to be at the event, regardless.

The family hoped to go boating before the end of the weekend and enjoy some fish sandwiches together — or, as Mr Mackenzie put it: “Just do the Bermudian thing.”

Attendees at Somerset Cricket Club, where play was due to start at 10am, faced a delay of several hours caused by downpours and high winds and while site safety checks were carried out.

Spectators were locked out in the morning and people inside were asked to vacate their positions because of scaffolding issues.

In a post on social media, the cricket club urged people waiting outside to be patient while safety concerns were resolved.

It was reported by Bernews that David Burt, the Premier, said it was unfortunate “that some persons took it upon themselves to remove supporting structures holding up the scaffolding, endangering everyone else”.

Huge queues formed in the heat while the necessary inspections were completed and the match started at about 2:20pm.

Stacy Babb, 43, had anticipated a delayed start because of the weather and was lucky to avoid a long wait in line.

She said that as a St George’s supporter, she hoped to see them stay focused throughout the game.

The West Pembroke Primary School PE teacher added that her favourite part of Cup Match was the socialising.

Ms Babb said: “This is always the best time to say hello to everyone on the other end of the island and enjoy the cricket and our historical traditions.”

Alex Simpson, a 29-year-old Bermudian living in Toronto, returned home this week and brought her friend, Kate Urquhart, to visit for the first time.

Ms Urquhart said the trip had been “amazing” and that she had enjoyed all of her experiences leading up to the event.

The 28-year-old added: “Everybody’s so lovely. It’s been very lively and this is my first time watching cricket, so I’m trying to understand the game.

“I know this is kind of corny, but the patriotism is really lovely. We don’t really have a ton of this in Canada, so to come here and experience that is just great. I love it.”

Ms Simpson, a real estate agent, said she hoped to take her friend to Non-Mariners on Sunday for the full Bermudian experience.

Meanwhile, Kieran Stanley-Hirst, 30, said this was his first Cup Match after moving from Britain a few months ago.

The accountant said he decided to support Somerset because it shared the name of his childhood county, only this time he traded in the cider for swizzle.

Mr Stanley-Hirst called the atmosphere “a unique experience” when compared to where he was from.

He explained: “When you watch cricket in the UK, it’s less of a party atmosphere, there’s no scaffolding and people are quite polite. But here it’s loud, it’s raucous and it feels like much more of a holiday.”

The cricket fan said he was happy to see everyone supporting their teams on and off the pitch.

He added: “I like the people — everyone’s really friendly. It’s a great community and everyone’s really welcoming.”

Semira Osmanovic, 39, flew in from Luxembourg on Sunday to see a friend during her first visit to the island.

She said her first experience of the Annual Classic had been “very hot, but very nice”.

Ms Osmanovic added: “We came at the right time because Cup Match is very exciting.

“I’ve never experienced something like this. I like it — it’s chaotic, but in a good way.”

The architect said she enjoyed the “happy and friendly” nature of Bermudians, as well as the local food.

She added that she hoped to go snorkelling before leaving on Sunday.