Calls for public screening in Cambridge of England’s Euro 2024 final against Spain
Calls have been made for a public screening in Cambridge of England’s Euro 2024 final against Spain on Sunday.
Cllr Tim Bick, the leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition on Cambridge City Council, has urged the authority to find a space where fans can enjoy watching the game together.
The council’s Labour leadership has confirmed it is investigating the idea - but has warned it is “complex and could be costly”.
Following their last-gasp semi-final win over the Netherlands, Gareth Southgate’s England side could make history in Berlin on Sunday night if they overcome Spain to lift the Euro 2024 trophy. They would be the first England football team to win a tournament since the 1966 World Cup-winning side.
Some cities around the country have been showing other England games in public spaces so fans can come together to enjoy the experience.
Cllr Tim Bick wrote to the executive councillor for open spaces, Cllr Sam Carling, calling for Cambridge to follow suit.
He said: “This is an ideal opportunity to bring the city together behind the success of our national team. We have seen on our TVs other UK cities doing this even for the earlier stages of the competition, and it seems something that Cambridge could now do at this final stage.
“There is much pride in the England team - in what it has achieved and the values it stands for. The city council would like to bring the city together. Sometimes the opportunities to do that don’t come off council reports and policy resolutions and it’s just important to respond to people’s own appetite to share hopes and excitement with each other.
“This could be a great event for an inclusive experience for families and children.
“As England has been one of the favourites in the competition, it would be surprising if the council hadn’t already made contingency plans. I do hope so. And I hope for a positive announcement in the next couple of days.”
Cllr Alice Gilderdale, deputy leader of Cambridge City Council, said: “As soon as England got through to the finals council staff started thinking about the practicalities of screening the final, as many other cities are. Of course it’s an important event which naturally many residents are invested in and want to come out to support our team.
“We’re considering options for opening up a council space for residents to come to watch the match, however it is not as simple as Cllr Bick suggests. Setting up a screen in one of our open spaces at short notice is complex and could be costly.
“The cost of hiring screens, organising staff and security and setting up accessible viewing spaces is not easy and is likely to be tricky, particularly on a Sunday evening.
“Cambridge BID are collating information about all places screening the final and we will be sharing these widely with residents. If we can find a way to offer a council space, we will do so and publicise it as soon as anything is confirmed.
“Either way we look forward to enjoying the match on Sunday wherever we can and hope all residents enjoy the match in a safe and responsible manner.”
Public film screenings are being held this summer in both the market square and in the CB1 district near the station, organised by Cambridge BID. The next will be on July 26, when Wish (6pm) and Barbie (8pm) will be shown in the market square.
England v Spain kicks off at 8pm UK time, and will be shown on BBC One and ITV1.
