For the 13th consecutive year HSBC Bermuda will be the lead sponsor for one of Bermuda’s most iconic festivities — Cup Match.

Neil Paynter, St George’s Cricket Club president, made the announcement today, saying there was a long and successful history between HSBC Bermuda and Cup Match.

“The club is particularly grateful for all that the bank’s sponsorship enables us to be able to provide to the local community,” Mr Paynter said. “It is a fantastic event and on behalf of the club I extend my sincere thanks to HSBC for once again sponsoring us as we strive to bring the cup back ‘home’ to St George’s.”

HSBC Bermuda chief executive officer Steve Banner said: “At HSBC we are delighted to be able to once again support the respective efforts of the St George’s and Somerset Cricket Clubs, and we all look forward to a wonderful community event.”

In the lead up to Cup Match on August 1 and 2, HSBC employees will be busy with a number of community focused, Cup Match related events. During the week before Cup Match they will hand out snow cones in Sandys and St George. There will be a gombey performance; they will hand out car flags in team colours, and there will be an HSBC Bermuda motorcade in Hamilton. When the event kicks off, HSBC Bermuda employees will welcome cricket enthusiasts to the game at the St George’s Cricket Club.

“We particularly enjoy this time of year as we have the opportunity to engage with our customers and interact with other members of the general public as we celebrate all that is special and unique about Bermuda and its traditions, while enjoying the island’s largest sporting event of the year,” said Renee Bullock-Cann head of retail banking wealth management.

“No matter whether you plan to be at the game or spend your holiday elsewhere, on behalf of all us at HSBC, I wish you and your families the very best Cup Match holiday period and as always, ‘May the Best Team Win!’,” Mr Banner said.

• See www.hsbc.bm for the schedule of branch activities