Beaches are full, boats are out, Cup Match events pack the calendar, and social media is filled with sunsets, happy hours and smiling faces.

But behind the curated images, mental health professionals say summer can also be a time for pressure, loneliness, burnout and anxiety.

Dr Shawnee Basden, consultant psychologist at Solstice, says one of the biggest reasons is expectation. “Bermuda summers are beautiful, but they’re not always easy,” she said.

“There’s a quiet pressure this time of year. The weather is perfect, the calendar fills quickly, and there’s an unspoken expectation that we should all be out enjoying it.”

While some people may feel excitement, others feel exhausted.

“One of the most common challenges is comparison,” Dr Basden said. “People see selected images of everyone else’s best moments and start to feel lonely, left out or like they’re somehow doing summer wrong.”

Summer can also strain finances and disrupt your routine, as you attend more events, stay up later and lose boundaries between work and personal life.

While some people struggle quietly, others are unsure if their concerns are serious enough to seek help.

Dr Brittnie Fowler, a consultant infant, child and youth psychiatrist, said: “If you find yourself wondering whether you need help, that curiosity is often your intuition telling you a second opinion could help.”

Dr Fowler believes mental health support should be preventative.

“We shouldn’t wait for a house fire to check the smoke detectors.”

Early warning signs include suddenly feeling exhausted from daily tasks, changes in sleep or appetite, withdrawing from loved ones, or reacting strongly to small frustrations.

For many people, the next challenge is knowing where to begin. Social worker Kelly Madeiros, the managing director of Solstice, said Bermuda has more support available than many realise.

“There are private therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, charities, family services and crisis supports,” she said.

“The issue is often not a lack of help, but uncertainty about where to start.”

She recommended taking small first steps.

“Sometimes simply browsing a website, reading about services, or sending one enquiry e-mail feels more manageable than committing to appointments straightaway.”

She also stressed that support is not only for emergencies. “Many people seek help for stress, burnout, relationship strain, life transitions or simply wanting to feel better. You do not need to be in crisis.”

For those not ready for professional support, there are still ways to ease difficult moments.

Dr Lizzy McManus, a senior psychologist, said action matters.

“Often the last thing we want to do when we feel low or overwhelmed is anything at all,” she said. “But getting moving, even in a very small way, is one of the most reliable ways to get unstuck.”

That could mean stepping outside, taking a walk, sending a text or changing your environment.

“If your system is activated, thinking your way out of it usually won’t work,” she said. “Slow breathing or grounding exercises can help bring things down.”

Perhaps the hardest part of struggling in summer is believing you are the only one.

Consultant psychologist Dr Laura Thomas said: “When we are vulnerable, we are much more likely to judge ourselves and compare ourselves negatively with others.”

Social media often makes this worse.

“People tend to publicise the positives and hide the struggles. That creates a false picture of perfection.” The reality is often very different.

“Many people who look fine are carrying private stress, grief, anxiety or exhaustion. Often, once someone speaks honestly, they realise others have felt the same.”

As Bermuda heads into another busy summer season, Solstice’s message is simple: sunshine doesn’t cancel struggle. It’s OK to say no to events and take time to rest – and if you need support, it’s also OK to ask for it.

For more mental health resources and support, visit www.solstice.bm or call 292-3456.

The post Summer isn’t easy for everyone appeared first on RG Magazines.

Liz Blankendal

Walking down the street like a breath of fresh air and oozing lightweight summer chic is entrepreneur and business owner, Liz Blankendal.

“I’ll be meeting the Bellas for lunch,” she smiled.

Ms Blankendal is wearing a headband designed by Danielle Paynter and a linen, palm-inspired dress, from Cassine. She chose this dress for its ‘fresh print’, colours, and the fact that she can wear it for both working and relaxing. And, at the end of the day, it can be thrown in the washing machine. Her fun rattan, pom pom handbag is also from Cassine.

In spite of the humid day, her skin and make-up look healthy and fresh, for which she also credits Cassine.

“I try to keep a natural skincare regime and then, just have very little make-up on,” she said. All she’s wearing is blush and mascara by RMS Beauty.

Lorraine Shailer

We catch the busy, and very co-ordinated, Lorraine Shailer between work and early evening drinks.

“I don’t normally wear phenomenally high heeled shoes,” she laughed. “I’m on my way for cocktails.”

Her silver and gold shoes are by Terry De Havilland who, she explained “popped back into vogue” because Sarah Jessica Parker wore them in ‘And Just Like That’.

Ms Shailer is director of retail for the Hamilton Princess hotel and her entire outfit, with the exception of her bangles, is from The Shops.

Her Lollys Laundry dress was chosen, she said, because “I love the print,” and it is “really lightweight.” She added the Summum Woman blazer because it can get cold in the office, and bringing the outfit together is jewellery by Rebecca Little, Alex Monroe and Talis Chains, along with a belt by Mulberry, and a retro look handbag by Anya Hindmarch.

Danielle Paynter

This self-described “passionate Bermudian shopper” has been wearing the same outfit and make-up all day, but looks first-thing-in-the-morning fresh. Her secret? A red lipstick from Salt and Cedar.

“I love this one because it’s all natural and it has long staying power. I hate reapplying,” she said.

Danielle Paynter has just finished work and is wearing a mixture of old, new and thrifted Bermuda finds in her trademark “bold maximalist style”. Underneath an Alice + Olivia blazer, which is an “investment piece” bought from Lusso a few years ago, is a rhinestoned silk camisole from The Shops at the Hamilton Princess. She chose this for its “razzle dazzle.”

Completing the outfit are a pair of black Bermuda shorts from Boutique CC pulled together with a Maje belt. Her statement red Gucci handbag, and David Yurman ring and earrings were thrifted from Orange Bay.

Mia Chambray

As a mom and co-owner of Cassine, Mia Chambray admitted that sometimes, she’s just trying to “get out of the house alive”, but when choosing her outfits, she loves to mix and match.

If she struggled to leave the house today, it doesn’t show because when we spot her outside her Reid Street boutique, she is looking both summery and professional in a green, oriental-inspired patterned shirt by One Hundred Stars with white trousers by Bali Elf, both of which are brands known for their sustainability.

“Lots of brands have forever chemicals in their fabrics, and I don’t want forever chemicals on my skin,” she said.

Elevating her look is a show-stopping, handmade, necklace from Italian brand Bijoux Espresso, her favourite lipstick, Beloved Lip2Cheek by RMS Beauty, and stylish Soek sunglasses, which are perfect for enjoying sunset drinks after a long day on the shop floor.

The post Street style appeared first on RG Magazines.

RG sat down with Paul Simons, CEO of Convex Re Limited, to find out.

Mentorship is vital

I’ve been fortunate to have several mentors who helped shape not only my understanding of the industry, but also how to navigate challenges and lead through difficult situations.

They helped me with guidance on how to develop both the expertise and the softer skills that are critical to succeeding as a leader.

Early in your career, success is all about demonstrating competence. As you move into management and leadership roles, the demands and expectations are just as pronounced, but how to drive results, particularly as it relates to people, becomes far more nuanced.

It helps to have people who believe in you, invest in your success, and advocate for your growth. Those relationships can make a real difference in helping you reach your full potential.

That’s where mentorship becomes especially valuable. Today I still have individuals that I tap into for advice because they have seen and done it.

Qualities of people you work with

Integrity is extremely important. You have to be able to trust the people you surround yourself

with professionally and feel confident they genuinely want to see you succeed.

The best professional relationships are ones where people support each other and collectively help raise the standard.

It’s important to surround yourself with talented people. Early in my career, a CEO I worked for used to say, ‘Surround yourself with people who are better than you.’ That always stuck with me.

To do that well, you have to be secure in your own abilities. Strong leaders aren’t afraid to work

with highly capable people — in fact they embrace it.

Like in sports, over time there’s always someone who will come along who’s faster and better, and I believe in embracing these individuals. As a good leader you can’t be insecure about this.

Time management

There are constant demands on your time, and one of the most important decisions I make each day is what you choose to focus on. I have a lot of requests for my time, and it’s not easy saying no to

people, but I’ve learned that saying no to something or someone means I can say yes to another, as there are only so many hours in the day.

One belief you’ve changed your mind about

The importance of simplicity. Our industry is incredibly complex and early on I approached challenges with trepidation as the complexities can often overwhelm, and you can lose site of the forest for the trees. But one of my mentors was instrumental in showing me that not overcomplicating things is within itself a strategic benefit that I now try to live by.

Over time, I’ve learned the value of slowing down, really understanding the underlying issues,

and breaking complex problems down into their core components before trying to solve them.

I’ve also learned how important listening is. Earlier in my career, I think I was more focused on

reacting quickly and driving toward action. With experience, I’ve come to realise that taking the

time to truly listen and fully understand what people are telling you is often just as important as

the action itself.

What legacy do you hope to leave?

Professionally, I want the organisation to continue to be a place where people can thrive and grow, and where that success is sustained over time.

Personally, I’d like to know that I’ve made a tangible difference in helping others progress, particularly people who may see aspects of themselves reflected in my journey. In Bermuda

especially, there are still not enough people in senior roles who reflect the diversity of the

community.

Interview by Stuart Roberts

The post Reaching the top appeared first on RG Magazines.

But sometimes, the real work happens quietly. One hour a week. One student. One conversation at a time.
For Riley Jackson, an academic support volunteer with the Family Centre’s Youth Leadership Academy, giving back started with a simple decision.

“I had just moved back to the island after graduating from De Montfort University in the UK, and I wanted to find a way to reconnect with the community,” she said. “After looking online, I came across the YLA, and it just felt like the right fit.”

The YLA is a long-term, trauma-informed programme that supports young people from middle school through high school. It focuses on mentorship, academic support and helping students navigate challenges both inside and outside the classroom.

For Ms Jackson, the connection was personal from the start.

“In school, I had to make a real effort when it came to studying,” she explained. “I didn’t always find things easy. I had a tutor, and I leaned on my teachers for extra support.”

Now, she finds herself on the other side of that experience.

“I’ve learned so many different ways to study and figure out what works,” she said. “So, the idea of helping someone else who might be going through the same thing just made sense.”

Even the subject she now tutors, biology, wasn’t always her strongest. “It was actually a hard class for me in school,” she admitted. “So, I understand the struggle.”

Volunteering might sound straightforward, but Ms Jackson is quick to point out that it requires commitment.

“Before each lesson, I review that week’s topic in the syllabus and find teaching material to match,” she said. “We’ve found that worksheets work well, so we usually end with a few of those.”
Each session is one-on-one, once a week. But it’s not just about jumping straight into academics.

“We always start by catching up,” she explained. “Just taking a moment to decompress from the day helps us both get into the right space to learn.”

Balancing volunteering with work and personal life isn’t always easy for Ms Jackson, who works in underwriting at CG Insurance’s Personal Lines Department.

“There are weeks when we can’t meet because of other commitments,” she said. “And for me, I can’t just show up and teach. I have to relearn the topic and find the right resources. That process takes time.”

Still, she makes it work.

Ask Ms Jackson what keeps her going, and her answer is simple.

“The most rewarding thing is when my student gets it,” she said. “When she can apply what we’ve gone through or explain it back to me: that’s the best part.”

Sometimes, the learning goes both ways. “There are times when my student will even correct me if I slip up,” she added.

But it’s not just about grades. “Seeing her confidence grow is a big thing,” she said. “That’s what really stands out.”

There are also moments when the focus shifts entirely. “I remember one day she had a really tough time at school and didn’t want to study,” Ms Jackson recalled. “So, we decided it wasn’t a learning day. We just talked.” That flexibility is important, she said. “You have to balance mental health with academics. Sometimes, just being there to listen is enough.”

Through her work with YLA, Ms Jackson has gained a new perspective on the education system.

“It’s been eye-opening,” said the Warwick Academy alumna. “Coming from a private school background, my experience was different.”

What she sees now is a gap, and a need.

“There are so many students who want to learn and improve, but they don’t always have the support,” she explained. “Programmes like the YLA are doing an amazing job of helping to bridge that gap.”

The post Giving back appeared first on RG Magazines.

Lisa Osborne spent nearly 30 years at Bermuda College before deciding to take on a new role as an entrepreneur.

Through her business, Dr Lisa Osborne – Global Pathways, she offers classes in English as a second language, academic coaching, life and career transition support, as well as guidance for women interested in solo travel.

“Basically, I’m doing what I’ve always wanted to do, but on my own time, and being able to fully dive into what I believe is part of the reason why I’m here, my mission here on the earth,” she said.

For anyone thinking about starting a business, Dr Osborne warned that entrepreneurship can be very demanding.

“You’ve got to work on your mindset,” she said. “It’s a shift. And I didn’t realise just how much of a shift it was going to be.”

One of the biggest adjustments is learning how to manage your own time and remain disciplined without the structure of a traditional workplace.

“When you have a job, everything’s spelled out. They want you to do this. They want you to arrive at this time. You can leave at certain times, they tell you when you can take your break,” she said.

“When you’re an entrepreneur, you decide, you choose. But having that power to make those decisions – you’ve got to have your time management sorted.”

To stay organised, Dr Osborne plans her schedule carefully and uses digital productivity tools to keep herself on track.

“Every Monday, I sit down and I map out what I am doing for the week,” she said. “If you expect your business to survive, you’ve got to be disciplined.”

She encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to seek guidance rather than assuming they should already know how to handle every aspect of running a business.

“I submitted my registration for payroll taxes — I had to get advice on that. I went straight to the Tax Commissioner’s office, I had a meeting with a representative at the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation and that helped me tremendously,” she said.

“You have to put the pride aside and you have to reach out and ask questions.”

She believes mindset and confidence are just as important as business planning, particularly during the early stages when uncertainty and self-doubt can easily take hold.

“You’re going to encounter naysayers,” she said. “Even within yourself you’re going to experience times when you’re feeling a little doubtful. ‘Do I really have what it takes? Is this really going to work?’”

Her advice is to protect new ideas while they are still developing and focus on building skills and confidence quietly behind the scenes.

“At the very initial stage, when it’s a seed, don’t tell everybody what you’re doing,” she said. “Keep it to yourself and grow it. Grow yourself.”

Part of that growth, she said, involves continuing to learn and invest in yourself. Alongside her doctorate in education, Dr Osborne completed additional certifications in teaching English as a second language and life coaching to expand the services she could offer through her business.

“Go out and get the training that you need,” she said.

Despite the challenges that come with entrepreneurship, Dr Osborne said the experience has also been deeply rewarding because it allows her to fully focus on work that aligns with her purpose.

“These are things that I was doing for somebody else,” she said. “Now I get to do it for myself. I get to take the ownership.”

The post Lessons in entrepreneurship appeared first on RG Magazines.

But where to lounge? How do you protect yourself from the blazing sun? Where do you convene for dinner?

And how can you serve dinner and drinks while eliminating the prospect of broken glass on the pool deck?

All those questions – and many more – can be answered at Island Trading, the home of stylish, luxury and design-driven home merchandise for the complete island lifestyle.

Operating from a 10,000-sq ft showroom on Reid Street, Hamilton, the store’s friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you to create the ultimate backyard for summer living.

Managing director Laura Farge-Lowe took over the reins at Island Trading 11 years ago from her mother, Gillian, who founded the business in 1983.

She said: “We’ve always strived to provide in-stock items and a big selection for people because we all want things right away. That’s been one of the successes of Island Trading: having a large selection of top-quality items.”

A nine-foot umbrella, for example, is offered in ten colours.

“All of our umbrellas are made of Sunbrella fabric, which means the colour will last in Bermuda’s hot sun, whether you choose a stripe, a bright blue, or even Cup Match colours.

“The colour doesn’t fade, and Sunbrella fabric actually blocks UV rays to protect you from the sun. I love offering people choices. They are often surprised at how much we have to offer.”

Ms Farge-Lowe added: “Setting up our showroom to show people different options of how their space can look is really important to us.

“When we are buying, we’ll choose lounge seating, or deep seating, that is complementary to the dining sets, be it the same material made out of something resilient like teak, or the same finish of aluminium, or the composite material, polymer, which is hugely popular.”

Among the newer offerings is Island Trading’s Bermuda Collection, a curated selection of the most acclaimed furniture designs of the past 40 years paired with Bermuda’s most iconic landmarks to create a collection that celebrates both timeless design and island heritage.

The collection is refreshed annually, with different lines and distinct names.

Examples this year include the Tom Moore sofa, chairs and coffee table, Jobson’s Cove chairs, Point Shares Adirondack chairs and foot stools, Church Bay dining table and chairs, and many more.

Ms Farge-Lowe said: “The Bermuda Collection is made for us in Indonesia. We worked with two designers to offer a nice, sweet spot between mid-market and high-end markets, both of which we offer in outdoor furniture, that has a very appealing quality but is also appealing from a pricing perspective and has clean, contemporary lines.”

Island Trading’s popular e-commerce website helped customers to ensure that the Tom Moore collection sold out before it hit the sales floor. Items are on re-order and expected to arrive this summer.

Ms Farge-Lowe is focussed on continuing to satisfy customers’ evolving tastes.

“Before, everyone wanted a teak table and teak chairs of the same brand of lounge furniture. Now, you might have aluminium chairs with teak arms, and then your table has a teak base, but your top is ceramic. There’s a departure away from ‘matchy-matchy’ towards more interesting.”

Customers also want to patronise businesses that support sustainability.

Island Trading offers recycled Adirondack chairs made from Canadian milk bottles, beautiful recycled outdoor rugs, and sells only grade A sustainable teak from Indonesia.

“Indonesia is the only country that polices the growing of teak in the way that we believe in. I’m very proud that all of our teak comes from Indonesia.”

The post Summer on de rock appeared first on RG Magazines.

The executive chef of The Reefs Resort and Club in Southampton, including its 140-seat flagship restaurant Solaris, said that was a welcome change from previous job postings in The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos.

“Farming in some other islands that I’ve been is a challenge, but Bermuda is totally different,” he said. “Farmers here have good soil, and they are so proud of what they do because they do a really good job farming. We use a lot of the produce that they grow.”

Cardinal Farms, J&J Produce, Bermy Fresh, Wadson’s Farm, Tucker’s Farm, Leo Seymour and Hakuna Matata Fishing supply produce, cheese, fish, seafood and honey to Solaris – integrating a Bermudian flavour into the restaurant’s menus featuring continental cuisine.

Mr Meléndez, whose 20-year-old son Gael attends culinary school in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, and is working hard to create his own culinary legacy, said: “Some of our responsibility, as a chef in a foreign country, is to respect first the local traditions, the local flavours and using locally sourced ingredients is a must!

“We bring our suitcase of flavours on our back, because we know how so many ingredients and preparations taste. When we get to a new place, we integrate all these flavours along with the local cuisine.”

Fresh Bermuda carrots make for a colourful roasted carrot salad, and are also served as a garnish, while sweet Bermuda onions are prepared as onion rings.

Mr Meléndez said: “We keep Bermudian traditions alive, like making the best fish chowder on island.

“If we’re going to do bread pudding, which is a really Bermudian thing, we’re going to do the best pudding and the best sauce to go with it.

“The same happens with cassava pie. The way we respect Bermudian traditions is to make the best possible version of them.”

Fishcakes, meanwhile, are topped by smoked salsa, and shrimp ‘ham’, “to take the delicious Bermudian fishcake to a next level”.

Mr Meléndez said his ‘right hand’, executive sous chef Pablo Cabrera, is “the big guy behind the day-to-day operation” of the Solaris kitchen, which has more than 20 staff, including two teenaged Bermudian apprentices.

He said the creative Mr Cabrera aspires to serve at least 85 per cent local fish and a large variety of seasonal, local ingredients.

The freshness of such fish is important – but Chef Carlos and his team also favour island suppliers for fair trade reasons, while also considering availability and harvesting seasons.

“We believe in fair trade. If we support the community by sourcing locally and we pay fair prices to the fishermen and farmers they can have good support and a healthy business, while we are always keeping in mind the business case.

“Fresh fish is something that people look for and we know that. We can achieve the best results with local fresh fish while also making sure that our guests know that we are making efforts to support the community too.”

Mr Meléndez said he enjoys the creative process that puts food on the table.

“I enjoy flavours and textures, and I enjoy working with the chefs that are part of the team here because they’re from all over the world, and they all have different flavours, different points of view about food, and different presentations.”

Mr Meléndez said entrees at Solaris arrive to the table whole.

“Our dishes come with the sauce, with the garnish, with the presentation. For us, every dish is unique. Every dish is a concept. All the flavours complement each other.”

Solaris serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, brunch on Sundays, and hosts a beach BBQ on Thursdays.

The post Giving Solaris a Bermudian flavour appeared first on RG Magazines.

You just need to know where to go…

Family fun

Sunday brunch

Wear your fancy outfit, but nothing that fits too tightly around the waist. Sunday brunch is a treat: a rare chance to indulge in some of the finest foods Bermuda has to offer, and a time to shine for our super-talented chefs.

Unlimited trips to the buffet table mean you don’t have to choose between salad, soup, sushi, roasted meats, pasta, or good old Bermudian classics. You can have it all … and then go back for dessert.

Where to find it: Pick your favourite hotel or restaurant, or one you’ve never tried before.

RG top tip: Don’t make plans for Sunday dinner – you won’t need to eat again until Monday evening.

Kicking back with friends

Beach day

If it’s good enough for the thousands of visitors that flock to Bermuda every summer, it’s good enough for us, right?

Appreciate the beauty on your doorstep by making Saturday beach day with your amigos. No matter what kind of beach you’re looking for, you can find the perfect one for everyone.

Where to find it: Horseshoe Bay for crowds and camaraderie; Astwood Park for tranquil scenery; Tobacco Bay for water activities; Hog Bay Beach for waves; John Smith’s Bay for BBQ; Snorkel Park Beach Club for parties; Glass Beach for something you won’t find anywhere else.

RG top tip: Nominate the most reliable member of the group to bring the cooler and ice – the staple of your afternoon. Flakier folks can contribute chips and drinks.

Hot dates

Glass-bottom boat trip

We’re rightly proud of our many delicious dining spots and their sumptuous settings – but for a truly spectacular romantic experience, get out on our wondrous waters.

A glass-bottom boat trip gives you and your partner a front-row seat to beauty that people travel thousands of miles to witness, from our coral reefs and turtles to the shipwrecks and their mesmerising tales.

Where to find it: Hamilton options include Bermuda Reef Explorer; Dockyard’s offerings include the Glass Bottom Boat Cruise.

RG top tip: Stories from your ship’s captain will give you something to chat about as you look back on your adventure while sipping cocktails at a waterfront bar.

Mingle when you’re single

Explore something new

There are so many stories to hear about our amazing island – and so many new friends to make while you do it.

Walking tours, cycling tours and adventure trips on the water or land add up to a great day out, whether you’re part of a group or on your own. And they’re a great way to find like-minded people who share your inquisitive nature.

Where to find it: Long Story Short in St George’s; Bermuda Watersports in Sandys; Crystal Caves; take your pick from the reams of activities on offer at Island Tour Centre in Dockyard.

RG top tip: Don’t be that person who hides at the back of the group. Make the most of your tour guide: ask questions to find out what makes this place so special.

2026 Weekend Events

July 30 to August 2: Cup Match weekend

August 30: Sandcastle Competition at Horseshoe Bay

October 8-11: Taste of Bermuda food festival, Hamilton

October 11: Round the Sound charity swim, Harrington Sound

November 15: Cambridge Beaches Triathlon

December 4: Bermuda National Trust Christmas Walkabout, St George’s

December 12: Christmas Boat Parade, Hamilton Harbour

• Dates correct at time of going to press. Check The Royal Gazette for updates and new events.

The post Weekends in Bermuda appeared first on RG Magazines.

Few people understand that energy better than local DJ and entertainer Rusty G, who is thrilled by the prospects of this year’s line-up of events.

“This summer honestly feels like one of the biggest in recent memory,” he said. “There are tons of amazing events going on and I’m particularly excited about the concerts happening around Cup Match.”

Among the headline events are performances by dancehall artist Mavado and Trinidadian soca favourites Kes the Band, both set to perform during the lead-up to and around our favourite national holiday.

“Mavado on July 25 and Kes on July 29, plus Cup Match staples like Wete Fete and Bacchanal Run, means the week is going to be action packed,” Rusty G said.

Kes the Band are no strangers to Bermuda audiences, having previously performed on the island during the 2017 America’s Cup celebrations. At the time, lead singer Kees Dieffenthaller described Bermuda as a “beautiful place” and praised the island’s crowd energy.

For Rusty G, local audiences bring a unique atmosphere that performers genuinely look forward to experiencing.

“Bermuda really comes alive in the summer,” he said. “There’s a different energy in the people that I can’t really explain.”

That atmosphere becomes especially noticeable around Cup Match, when the island’s social scene shifts into high gear. From large concerts to beach events and late-night parties, live entertainment becomes a major part of the holiday experience.

For entertainers, reading that energy and responding to it is part of the job. Rusty G believes strong performances and consistency are what help artists and DJs stand out in Bermuda’s competitive entertainment scene.

“There’s a lot of ways that entertainers build their brands,” he said in a previous interview with The Royal Gazette. “I always just try to make sure that I give really strong, energetic stage performances.”

Preparation, he added, is equally important — especially when performing for crowds with high expectations.

“You’ve got to do your homework before you go,” he said. “Ask other DJs and artists and the promoters what kind of vibes are people expecting. And then do your homework and just pay attention and make sure that you’re on point when you get there.”

Social media has also played a growing role in helping local entertainers expand beyond Bermuda. According to Rusty G, it has helped introduce his work to international audiences and led to opportunities overseas.

“Clips of my performances in Bermuda ended up growing my social media and people in other places saw them and decided to book me. So, it’s all that put together, and just being consistent I guess.”

Still, Bermuda remains one of his favourite places to perform, particularly during the summer season when music and celebration become part of everyday island life.

With thousands expected to attend concerts and events over the Cup Match period, Rusty G believes this summer could be one to remember.

Mavado will perform in Bermuda on Saturday, July 25. For tickets, visit gpass.bm. Cup Match Ignite featuring Kes the Band takes place on Wednesday, July 29, the day before Cup Match. Tickets are available at Ptix.bm. Both concerts will take place at the National Stadium.

The post Summer sounds appeared first on RG Magazines.

More than just a cricket game, it is a celebration of heritage, resilience and community – a time when families come together to honour the past while creating new memories.

For Kenten Trott and his family, Cup Match is not simply an event on the calendar: it is a deeply rooted tradition that blends history, family bonding and the rhythms of island life.

Mr Trott, a police inspector and longtime Cup Match participant behind the scenes, describes his connection to the holiday with both pride and reflection.

He grew up in St David’s, and acknowledges the unique, sibling-rivalry-style phenomenon that compels many St David’s Islanders to support – and even play for – Somerset during Cup Match.

But he supports St George’s.

Having a similar story myself, I endorse his choice.

For Mr Trott’s family, however, the real heart of Cup Match lies beyond the cricket field. Their tradition centres around camping at Turtle Bay, a ritual they have built and refined over the years. Preparations begin long before the holiday, with permits secured early to ensure their place. Then, at precisely midnight on the Wednesday before Cup Match, the family arrives – flashlights in hand – to set up camp.

“It’s pitch black, but we’re out there setting up tents, getting everything ready,” Mr Trott said. “That’s part of the excitement.”

The campsite becomes a temporary village. Multiple tents house immediate and extended family members while cooking areas, tables and coolers transform the beach into a home away from home. Though some modern conveniences have crept in – thanks to a cousin’s generator – Mr Trott prefers to keep things simple, embracing a more traditional, unplugged experience.

“I’m old school,” he asserted. “I don’t need all the extras. It’s about being out there, enjoying nature.”

From Wednesday through Sunday, the family lives by the rhythm of the holiday. Days are spent swimming, relaxing and listening to the cricket on the radio. Meals are shared, stories are told, and children roam freely between the tents and the shoreline.

Even unpredictable weather can’t dampen their spirits. Mr Trott remembers one year when heavy rain lashed the island, yet the family stayed put, covering their tents with tarpaulin and riding out the storm together.

“It’s all part of it,” he declared. “You just make it work!”

Balancing his professional responsibilities with family traditions adds another layer to Mr Trott’s Cup Match experience. As part of the policing team responsible for the event in St George’s, he often works shifts during the holiday. Even so, he finds a way to return to the campsite, ensuring he remains connected to both his duty and his family.

At its core, Mr Trott believes Cup Match is about far more than sport. It is a living reminder of Bermuda’s history – particularly the legacy of emancipation and the resilience of those who came before.

“People don’t always realise the significance,” he explained. “Our forefathers took a stand; took time off work and created something meaningful. That says a lot about who we are.”

The quiet moments at the campsite, away from all the distractions and pressures of modern life, offer Mr Trott time to reflect on that history, and to pass its meaning on to his children. Though they are drawn to technology more than any generation before, the experience of camping helps ground them in tradition.

“It’s family bonding,” he said with a warm grin. “It’s teaching them what Cup Match really means.”

In that space between AI encroachment and historical heartbeats, Cup Match continues to thrive – carried forward by families like the Trotts, who ensure its spirit lives on year after year.

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