Customers could be forgiven for thinking they are taking part in a game of cricket when they enter the Bank of Bermuda's branches across the Island this week.

For the bank has decked out its branches with pictures of cricket and balloons in the St. George's and Somerset colours, and even an astroturf wicket complete with stumps, while the staff are all kitted out in Cup Match 2008 T-shirts and decorative ribbons and the security guards are dressed up as umpires.

There is also a chance for clients to get completely bowled over when some of the teams' cricketers drop in to some of the branches to give expert tips and advice on how to play the game.

The idea was the brainchild of Paula Marshall, head office branch manager, and Steven Faries, manager of the Somerset branch, who decided to change the format this year from the traditional annual competition in a bid to get its customers into the spirit of the event.

"We used to have a competition every year and now we decided to do something a little bit different and have all the branches decorated and get the clients involved and get the bank's name out there," said Mr. Faries.

The theme will be running in the head office in Front Street, Church Street, Somerset, St. George's, and Airport branches from the start of this week until the end of Wednesday, with a number of events planned throughout to mark the occasion, including free snow cones, red for Somerset and blue for St. George's, being handed out to passers by outside the branches today and tomorrow between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Customers who sign up to personal Internet banking and e-statements will also receive free beach mats, while car flags and pencils will be given out, and two VIP tickets to the Bank of Bermuda's tent at Cup Match will be raffled off.

"Everyone has been involved," said Mr. Faries. "We are also going to have some cricket players come around to the branches at head office in Front Street and Church Street and and involve the clients in a little bit of cricket. For us, it is also the busiest day of the year and a lot of the community know we do this kind of thing and like to come in a see what is going on."

The bank will be the main sponsor of Cup Match this year, with a tent to entertain customers, while its mobile ATM machine will be making its first ever appearance at the event.