England fans can cheer on their team at the World Cup quarter-finals in the surroundings of one of Nottingham’s most iconic landmarks.
A 27 square-metre screen will broadcast Saturday’s match against Sweden live from the Green at Nottingham Castle. The family-friendly event, hosted by Nottingham City Council, will be free to enter on a first come, first served basis for around 3,000 local supporters.
Gareth Southgate’s young side secured a quarter-final place on Tuesday evening with a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Columbia.
Gates will open on Saturday at 1pm for the 3pm kick-off and there will be refreshments available on site, including a licensed bar.
Although the Castle site is now closed to the public as part of the £30m transformation project, visitors will be able to enter on Saturday through the main gate, in Lenton Road, and have access up on to the Green.
All other areas, including the Castle itself, will not be accessible. The event will not impact on, or delay, the archaeological dig currently under way in the Castle grounds or any of the transformation work.
Councillor Jon Collins, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “For as long as England remain in the tournament, we’ll give people the chance to make this a memorable time by watching the game with their friends.
“Art Of Football have successfully screened matches in Sneinton Market so far this World Cup, but their capacity is limited. We want to give more supporters the chance to watch England in the castle grounds in the sunshine on Saturday. Fingers crossed that they can make it all the way to the final!”
The screening follows an 18-metre St George’s flag – the biggest in the country – being put up on the front of the Council House on Tuesday ahead of England’s win over Columbia to show the city’s support for the national team. This was sponsored and fitted free of charge by Nottingham firm Fast Graphics.
Public attending the event are asked to note the following entry conditions:
- No outside food or drink permitted. Food and drink, including alcohol, will be on sale within the venue.
- Please dress for the weather. There is little shade at the screening site, so please bring sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat. Please note umbrellas are not permitted.
- No club football colours
- Children under 16 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian
- Please do not bring glass bottles, fireworks or flares to the event
- Animals, with the exception of assistance dogs, are not permitted in the venue
- A full search will be in place upon entry to the site
- This is a smoke-free event
Full terms and conditions and event timings are available at whatsonnottingham.com