Bermuda shifted to the east this week as thousands of residents and visitors streamed to St George’s to take in the sights, sounds and traditions behind the Cup Match Classic.

Crowds of attendees withstood summer heat to watch the game, socialise with friends, dine and in some cases gamble as part of the island’s annual festivities.

While rainfall slowed the action on the pitch today, it failed to dampen the Cup Match spirit.

Pat Darrell of Seaside Grill, which is operating a stall at this year’s event, said this morning that despite the rain, the atmosphere at the game has been a great one with the business seeing steady demand for its local fish.

“We had a good day yesterday, and so far so good today, but the rain has been a bit of a problem,” Ms Darrell said.

“It has been clearing up a bit, so hopefully it will hold out and we are looking for a great day. There’s a lovely atmosphere up here.”

Colin Albright, a visitor from Jacksonville, Florida, said he was looking forward to watching his first cricket game once the weather cleared up enough to allow the game to resume.

“I was told that if I went to Bermuda, I had to check out Cup Match if I wanted to get a taste of the island,” he said. “I may have already put on a few pounds.

“There’s a great energy, everyone is having a great time.”

Mr Albright admitted that while he did not mind a bit of rain to take the edge off the heat, the humidity was proving a challenge.

“I thought I was used to the humidity from Florida, but this is really something,” he said.

Meanwhile, 12-year-old Ian Welch was enjoying himself as possibly the youngest entrepreneur on the cricket club grounds with a stall for his own business, Metal and String, selling yo-yos, snap bracelets and other childhood favourites.

“I started last year in September as a concept in my school’s business studies class and I launched in December,” he said.

“It has been really great and Cup Match has been very busy, but I like the vibes. There are good vibes all around. I am making good sales and a lot of good connections. It is a lot of fun in general.”

Yesterday, the grounds were even busier as clear skies welcomed throngs of attendees to the game.

Ira Bascome, sporting the blue and blue of St George’s, declared himself optimistic about his team’s chances in the game this year.

“I think Somerset is going to be surprised this year,” he said. “The cup is coming back east, and it is going to stay east.”

Mr Bascome said that while Cup Match has long been a staple of the Bermuda calendar, he was glad to see a renewed focus on the history of the holiday and its links with emancipation.

“We need to remember where we came from, and the battles fought by those that came before us,” he said.

“There is still more that can be done to recognise some of the freedom fighters, the Mary Princes of Bermuda, because without them we would be in a very different place.”

Peter Moore agreed about the importance of celebrating the island’s history and culture.

“These are the things that separate us from all of the other nations out there,” he said. “Cricket is not a Bermuda thing, but Cup Match is, and part of that is because of the history and the deeper meaning behind it.”

Asked about the action on the pitch, Mr Moore said he was confident that Somerset would be holding on to the cup for another year.

He added: “Why ruin a good thing? It’s early goings still, but St George’s haven’t shown up yet.”

Gary Caisey, owner of Cup Match staple Sid’s Seafood, said that the Cup Match holiday was always a busy one, and this year was already proving no exception.

He added: “The shark hash is going really well — I probably should have done another 100 containers because we are going to run out, but it’s nice to run out. Next time I will know better.

“The hash, conch and the shrimp are all going really quick. And the fish always goes.”

Mr Caisey said that he was thankful for the love that the business received during the annual classic, including the popular conch stew.

“I have a friend who used to work with me, she is from St David’s, and this stuff is off the hook,” he said.

Laurie Stern, who is visiting Bermuda from Connecticut, said she has come to the island three times, with this year marking her second experience of Cup Match.

“It’s a great atmosphere, everyone is having a good time,” she told The Royal Gazette.

“I still don’t think I fully understand cricket — but that just means I have to come again.”

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