Overview

For two days every summer Bermuda grinds to a complete halt to turn its attention to a cricket match between Somerset and St George's watched by around 7000 people. It is also broadcast live on local radio. The festive game began officially in July 1902, and the venue switches between clubs. The popularity of the fixture was such that it caused continued absences from employment and, as a result, a two-day public holiday was introduced in 1947 and has been in effect ever since. Since 1999, a celebration of emancipation is now part of the ritual of the first day of match.