With Cup Match comes plenty of parties and special events. Below is a list of my personal favourites:

WUK ME WKD WEDNESDAY. The host of this party, Barmuvinjam, wants you to start off Cup Match right. On offer is lots of soca – interspersed with reggae. They're starting from 'happy hour' – I think you all know what that means – and going until... At Club Azione on Reid Street near Spurling Hill traffic lights today starting at 5 p.m.

'WINE DOWN'. At Lemon Tree Café today from 5 p.m. to midnight. Enough said.

HAPPY HOUR at Beau Rivage. Located at Newstead Belmont Hills Resort & Spa on Harbour Road, the restaurant is hoping to get the Cup Match holiday off to a good start with a special Wednesday happy hour this week only, in place of its regular Friday event.

BEACHFEST EMANCIPATION CELEBRATION. Heineken is presenting Chewstick's fourth annual event and insists it's going to be one of the "biggest, most fun-filled days on the beach" with such sports as football, volleyball and tennis featured. Also planned is an East vs West tug-o-war, Crown and Anchor and live music performances. The best part is that it's free and organised for the whole family. All you need is your bathing suit, pup tent and plenty of good vibes. The fun starts tomorrow at 11 a.m. at Horseshoe Bay and will continue until the stars are out.

SALSAMANIA THURSDAYS. SalsaMania Productions and Bone Fish Bar & Grill in Dockyard are providing a venue for Latin dance and music. SalsaMania Thursday is one of many events planned as part of the Bermuda Department of Tourism's Sizzling Summer Series. After dinner, let instructors and students of the Sabor Dance School [easy to find in their black and white SalsaMania gear] show you the basic steps of Salsa, Cha-Cha and Merengue. Every Thursday this summer [weather permitting] 8.30 p.m. until midnight.

NON-MARINERS' DAY SOCA BOAT PARTY. Hosted by Soca Junkies on board the Elizabeth on Sunday, August 2, this annual event is sure to satisfy party animals. Music by the Barmuvinjam Crew and special guests, The German Soca Twins. The pair promise everyone onboard will party like rock stars! Clichéd? Yes. But what do you care, there's going to be a full open bar and traditional Bermudian dishes to satisfy your hunger. Boat leaves Albuoy's Point at 11.30 a.m. and returns at 7 p.m. Tickets are $60 in advance, $70 on the boat.

SUNDAY SESSION "ROUND 5 O'CLOCK". This one is by Spredluv, and they're promising there's "a real treat in store" for guests. 'The Cornerstoners, a group of artists from Miami who are on the tail end of their European tour, 'round 5 o'clock', will be on of numerous groups performing. Others include Lai-Si, Michelangelo, SOL, The Kemistry, and Shuanise. There's going to be a fine mix of hip hop, soul, jazz, funk, reggae and more. Hosted by Fae Simon the party takes place at Lockside Lounge 75-89 Upperwalk in Camden Town, United Kingdom on Sunday, August 2 at 5 p.m.