The Corporation of St George plans to get the Cup Match festivities started early this year with a celebration in King’s Square this month and is looking for vendors to take part.

A spokesman for the corporation said the Cup Match Extravaganza would be held on July 21, two weeks before St George’s and Somerset clash.

Candy-Lee Foggo, the town manager, said that the corporation was looking to attract vendors interested in selling their wares at the event.

“Our request is that vendors display Cup Match-themed items that closely align with the spirit of the event, such as T-shirts, hats, flags and bandanas featuring the St George's and Somerset colour combinations,” she said.

“We also welcome ‘made in Bermuda’ items, as well as Bermuda shorts, Bermuda shirts, beach towels and blankets.”

Ms Foggo urged interested parties to contact the corporation’s offices at 297-1532.

She said that residents and visitors to St George’s should expect to see preparations for the event in the town the days leading up to the big event.

“These preparations may include sound checks and a temporary road closure,” she said. “We anticipate increased foot traffic in the town and temporary occupancy of parking bays by eventgoers and vendors.

“We kindly request the co-operation of the public during this time.”

Parking for the event will be available at Tiger Bay and attendees are urged to take advantage of the site to ensure a smooth flow of traffic through the town.

The spokesman added: “The Corporation of St George would like to express our gratitude to Unesco Grants for the generous funding of this event.

“Cup Match celebrates a very important historical period in Bermuda’s history, which still has impacts today, and with St George’s being an integral part, it is necessary that we support activities that genuinely uplift the community and pay respects to those that helped to make Bermuda a harmonious place to live.”