Thousands made their way to Somerset Cricket Club and Horseshoe Bay as residents and visitors alike celebrated Bermuda's most loved holiday.At 110 years old, the cricket classic was bound to be special. But the atmosphere seemed even more festive, joyful and celebratory than in recent years.St George's fans did their best to encourage their team, even when it was clear that they were on life support.In the end, Somerset's win, with ten wickets to spare, was a convincing one.But it was impossible to judge whose air horns were the loudest or whether St George's or Somerset fans were more outrageous in their fashion sense.“It's pretty exciting. My worst fear is actually a draw,” said Somerset supporter Toby Butterfield who arrived at the field about ninety minutes before the end of the match.“I think that (a draw) would be really boring. I wish they would just play to win, so things are looking good today.”There was something different about the Cup Match festivities this year, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.Perhaps it was the certainty she felt about a Somerset win. Or “it could be the pitch”, Ms Butterfield said. “Somerset prepared the pitch and the pitch is favouring Somerset. And they knew to put St George's first. For some reason it's more exciting. Or maybe it's because St George's suck.”And so it went. Good humoured banter from supporters of both sides.Governor George Fergusson, attending his first Cup Match, kept his diplomatic distance. “I'm thoroughly enjoying it. I couldn't possibly comment on who's going to win, but I hope it doesn't happen before I get back to my seat.”He lauded the “fantastic” atmosphere, and said that the two day holiday had more than lived up to expectations.“I had pretty high expectations — everyone had told me how fantastic it is. People just seem happy. The banter is fun. People came intending to enjoy themselves and they are enjoying it. And the cricket's great. What's not to enjoy?”Crown and Anchor operators were also big winners — the tent was packed to capacity with the hopeful clutching wads of cash they were bound to lose if they hung out long enough.One guest worker exclaimed: “It's a great Cup Match, the best ever.”And on the south shore, not too far away, artists took centre stage before a packed beach of revellers, as BeachFest soaked up the sun at Horseshoe Bay.“Absolutely amazing,” was the verdict of organiser Gavin Smith of the Chewstick Foundation. “It's everything we were planning for it to be and better.”Organisers of the seventh annual BeachFest credited feedback from the Parks Department and police for an event they said was more tightly organised this year.There was also no repeat of the minor outbreaks of violence seen the previous summer.Continued Mr Smith: “This event is for our people, to enhance our cultural identity and pride, and it's for the thousands of visitors and locals who turn up.“We're grateful to all the volunteers, and to the supporters and the artists whose time and energy make this possible. We couldn't do it without them.”Chewstick hosted limbo contests and freestyle rapping competitions, before soca and body painting took over later in the afternoon.Co-organiser Najib (Tanzaoui) Chentouf said the beach party benefited from a sharper layout.“Everybody's been really respectful and people can get around easier with the path marked out all down the beach,” he said. “We've got a great mix of people and music.”Approximately 2,500 had attended yesterday's event by 5pm with hordes more seen arriving for the evening's festivities.“No negativity,” observed eight-string ukulele performer Mike Hind after leaving the stage. “The only negative thing here seems to be that I'm a St George's supporter.”