With Bermuda’s annual Cup Match camping season just days away, a group of longtime campers is appealing to authorities of BLMC to reconsider a decision preventing them from camping at their traditional site at the upper section of Nine Beaches at Daniel’s Head.
TNN was called to the area after campers discovered fencing was being erected and were informed they would no longer be permitted to camp at the location they say has been their family’s gathering place for the past five years.
The decision has left several families confused and frustrated, particularly given the timing—just days before one of Bermuda’s biggest family traditions.
One camper explained that the group only received notice of the restriction yesterday, despite already setting up tents in preparation for the Cup Match holiday.
“We’ve been camping here for about five years and we’ve never had any problems,” one woman told TNN. “We keep the place clean. When we leave, you would never know we were here.”
She said multiple families—including the Rollins, Swans, Williams, Beans, Fubler and Butterfields—have made the location a cherished annual gathering spot where generations come together during the holiday.
The campers emphasized that they are not occupying or entering the nearby buildings, which they understand have been deemed unsafe, but instead remain on the open field away from the structures.
“We’re just asking for Cup Match,” she said. “Please let us have this one last Cup Match here.”
The woman, who described herself as a senior citizen who has contributed to Bermuda throughout her life, appealed directly to the country’s leaders.
“I’m asking the Premier and every Member of Parliament who we’ve voted for to oblige us and our families. We’ve done our part for this country.”
A younger member of the family questioned why the decision was made so close to the holiday, calling the handling of the situation “unprofessional.”
“They had all year to do this,” he said. “Why wait until Cup Match week to tell us? They could have put up notices months ago instead of right before Cup Match.”
He added that the annual camping tradition is about much more than tents.
“This is about bringing families together. We bring our seniors, our children and our grandchildren. Cup Match is family time, and this is where we celebrate.”
The campers also questioned why fencing and restrictions are being implemented now if the area has allegedly been considered unsafe.
“They’re saying it’s hazardous, but they’re still cutting the grass and maintaining the property,” one camper said. “That seems like a contradiction.”
Beyond the family tradition, the group said the campsite has also become a welcoming place for visitors to Bermuda.
“People from all over the world walk through here,” one camper explained. “They stop and talk with us, they share a meal, have a drink and experience Bermuda hospitality. That’s what we love doing.”
With Cup Match taking place in Somerset next week, the campers say they hope officials will reconsider the decision, even if only for this year’s holiday, allowing families one final opportunity to celebrate together at a location they say has become part of their Cup Match tradition.
The campers are now calling on government officials to explain why the restrictions were introduced just days before the start of the island’s busiest camping period and whether any accommodation can be made for families already preparing to spend the holiday at Nine Beaches.
BLMC Organizers issued a statement Daniel’s Head Access
BLMC wishes to advise, the lower field at Daniel’s Head and the two beaches will remain publicly accessible. All other areas of the property remain closed to the public.
Persons accessing Daniel’s Head are expected to:
•Remain within the designated publicly accessible areas.
•Respect all fencing, barriers, and posted signage.
•Keep the property clean by disposing of all litter appropriately.
•Respect the natural environment and other members of the public.
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