the "Back of Town'' this month as a new weekly Festival kicks off this Friday night.

Court Street Festivals will be part of the "Countdown to Cup Match'' scheme launched by the United Bar Owners Association and the North Hamilton Business Association.

The Friday night festivals will run through July from 6 to 9.30 p.m. and will feature late night shopping, street vendors, a children's corner and cricket demonstrations. Locations for the children's corner and cricket demonstrations have yet to be confirmed.

North Hamilton Business Association member Carvel VanPutten -- who owns Carvel Jewellers on Court Street -- told The Royal Gazette the festival was created to enhance the profile of Cup Match.

"Many people travel during this time instead of getting involved in the holiday,'' Mr. VanPutten pointed out. "We are doing this in an attempt to get people involved in the holiday and the game.'' He added that organisers were also trying to get businesses involved in the two-day holiday.

The festivals will be similar to Front Street's Harbour Nights, but will have a Cup Match theme ranging from fashion shows displaying the new "Cup Match outfits'' to vendors selling typical Cup Match fare like Conch Stew.

"All the entertainment will change every week,'' he said. "And we will let the public know what entertainment (including Gombeys and to singers and dancers) will be featured that coming Friday.''