Cup Match revellers who walked away with pricey banners have left the Sandys Parish Council out of pocket.

The council spent more than $2,000 decorating the parish and Somerset Bridge with flags, banners and ribbons to celebrate the annual holiday in recognition of the emancipation of slaves in Bermuda. Council deputy chairman Rudolph Hollis said three feather banners were stolen during the weekend.

"It is disappointing to us," he said. "It is the first time the Council has done this and we had a lot of compliments from people who were glad to see the parish decorated and commented on the community spirit.

"We are not interested in prosecuting anyone. We just want the banners back. They cost $360 each and three of the six we bought are missing.

"I have had reports that one of our banners was seen on a boat at Non-Mariners [Race on Sunday in Mangrove Bay] but we have not substantiated that yet. I am planning to look through photos to see if I can spot it."

Anyone who has one of the banners has been asked to drop it off at the Somerset Post Office or call Mr. Hollis on 504-5409.