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Jul
Could the World Cup final be shown on a big screen in Harrogate?
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With England preparing to play in the quarter-finals of the World Cup on Saturday (July 11), people will be thinking about where to enjoy the final stages of the tournament.
While Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon have no shortage of brilliant pubs to watch the matches at, if England did make it to the final, could something special be done to mark the occasion?
It made us think: is there any chance a big screen could be put up on the Stray for locals to come together to celebrate (or commiserate)?
The Wimbledon men's singles final was shown on a big screen on the Stray about 10 years ago.
When the last World Cup was played in 2022, Harrogate Town Council was in the process of being created.
It was said the town council — which was eventually formed in 2024 — could take on this kind of community initiative.
So we put it to Harrogate Town Council, and they’re not completely opposed to the idea.
Paul Forster, the events and culture lead, said: “At this stage, we are not in a position to deliver or support a big screen event for the World Cup this year.”
But he added:
We would welcome the results of any public polling you undertake to help establish whether there is sufficient public appetite for such an event in the future. Should there be strong support from residents, the council would be happy to consider the proposal as part of discussions around the events budget for next year.
Given that the cost of showing Glastonbury on a big screen at Knaresborough's Party in the Castle is around £5,000, the event could add a little onto council tax bills.
But the big question is - would you be happy to pay for it? Vote in our poll on X or by liking our post on Facebook or on Instagram and we'll share your answer with Harrogate Town Council.
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