Cup Match is coming early to St George.

For the Olde Towne Market this Sunday is to feature a Cup Match theme, with stalls, vendors and attendees encouraged to get in the spirit with the club colours of dark blue and light blue of St George’s and the navy blue and red of Somerset.

Ray Lambert, the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation officer for St George’s, said: “What we’ve been doing is pair the markets with events in the town or holiday occasions.

“For Cup Match, everybody is preparing for the holiday and there are a lot of visitors here for that.

“We thought it would be a great way to kick of the Cup Match season.”

Mr Lambert said that Sunday’s event would feature the traditional Crown & Anchor gambling, a Cup Match mainstay.

He added: “People can win chips and these chips can be cashed in for discounts at a few places around town and with the vendors.”

Mr Lambert said the market, which has been running for several years, had been kick-started in a bid to raise the profile of St George’s.

The first, in May, featured a marine heritage theme, while last month’s was linked to the charity rubber duck derby.

Mr Lambert added: “Local businesses are extra busy when the market is on and it’s a good reason for people to visit St George’s.

And he said that, in addition to extra sales for stall holders, local stores and restaurants also benefited from an influx of people.

He added: “It’s a good way to promote St George’s as a destination for locals and visitors.

“So far, we have 16 vendors signed up and we think we will have 20 or more by the time we get around to the date. We will certainly make ourselves available for businesses that are keen to get involved.”

The market will be held on Water Street between 2pm and 6pm on Sunday.

Among the vendors will be Nick O’Connell, who sells a range of fine teas from Harney & Sons in New York.

Ms O’Connell, who lives in St George’s and a part-time chef at Docksider in Hamilton, said she started the business last October after closing her tea shop in the Olde Towne.

Ms O’Connell added: “We sell about 25 different flavours — I’m trying to get the product out there. There are hot tea items and cold tea selections, coconut waters and organic juices.

“I’ll be at the market on Sunday with cold beverages because it’s so hot.”

She added: “It’s a good venue — There’s a lot of interest. All these kind of things are good for exposure and promotion.

“It’s good for people to experience the teas and from that they want to buy them or share the experience with a gift.

“It’s good exposure because there is nothing else like it down there.”

The range features favourites like Earl Grey and Darjeeling, as well as peppermint herbal tea and hot cinnamon spice.

Cup Match, first played in 1901, will be held from Thursday, July 28 to Friday, July 29, at the home of defending champions Somerset.

Anyone interested in sponsorship opportunities or showcasing their wares at the market should contact Mr Lambert at 704-9057 or rlambert@bedc.bm.