PUBS and bars across Erewash are set to do a roaring trade this weekend – as England fans gripped by World Cup fever cheer on the Three Lions against Norway.
The scorching quarter final on Saturday night – as the country basks in a heatwave – will see venues packed with revellers watching the crunch clash.
A giant outdoor screen will again be set up at Ilkeston Town FC’s New Manor Ground – where ecstatic crowds saw Harry Kane and his men beat Mexico in a 3-2 thriller that kicked off at 2am on Monday.
The club said: “It was great to see so many people. Everyone was in such great spirits with an unbeatable atmosphere.”
That game saw all its outdoor seats reserved in advance. The fan zone has since been expanded – but it is already almost booked solid for Saturday’s match at 10pm.
Over at Ilkeston Rugby Club, fans have also rushed to make bookings ahead of goal machine Erling Haaland leading his “vikings” into battle against Thomas Tuchel’s side.
An online post read: “We love an England night at The Stute, the flags, the football, the singing . . . the ‘It’s Coming Home’ getting louder after every pint.”
Fears that excited fans could disturb neighbours meant the early hours Mexico game was not screened there – in a decision that was made “out of respect for our local community and the people living around us”. The club explained: “As much as we’d love to pack the pub and cheer the lads on, we also love our neighbours — and nobody needs a chorus of ‘Sweet Caroline’ echoing down the street at gone 3am.” Erewash council leader James Dawson was among those who were gutted to miss the Mexico game – because he had to get up with the lark to appear on local radio station Erewash Sound.
Presenter Paul Stacey congratulated him on looking fresh-faced as he asked if he had been watching the epic clash that finished at 4am. James, who has a regular guest slot on the first Monday of each month, replied: “I have to admit I wasn’t because I knew I was up early.”
Residents can hear him talking about all the latest that is happening in the borough here: Stream New canal bridge opens for the north of Long Eaton – Councillor James Dawson by Erewash Sound | Listen online for free on SoundCloud.
Pubs in Long Eaton that will be welcoming Three Lions fans on Saturday night include The Tappers Harker, which was crowded on Monday after bars were allowed to stay open until 5am.
A Facebook post told how the watering hole was “absolutely bouncing as England battled past Mexico”. It added: “The singing, the cheering, the celebrations . . . the atmosphere was unbelievable from the first whistle to the last.”
Long Eaton’s Barge Inn will have a live band playing in the run-up to Saturday’s showdown. In Ilkeston, the beer garden at sports bar Hogarths even boasts its own flag-themed Wonderwall.
Parents have been scrambling ahead of the game to find venues they can take children to. Online suggestions after a Facebook user issued a plea on behalf of a 12-year-old included Ilkeston Town FC and the Top Club in Stanley Common.
The Little Acorn in Ilkeston is touting how youngsters can play on a bouncy castle and enjoy free half-time hot dogs.
Other responses about where to watch with little ones included: “At home on the sofa with some pop and chocolate. Happy days – cheaper as well.”
