A popular food and drink hub in Lowestoft has unveiled a large cinema screen ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
With the global spectacle just days away, preparations are gearing up for a busy winter of live football at pubs and venues across Lowestoft.
As the FIFA World Cup kicks off in Qatar on Sunday, November 20, fans are set to be in for a treat with a feast of football running until December 18.
With 32 teams competing in eight groups, England will be in action against Iran on the second day of the competition - kicking off at 1pm on Monday, November 21.
And there will be a first to mark the occasion at East Point Pavilion in Lowestoft - as the seafront pavilion unveils a big screen ahead of the tournament.
With East Point Pavilion having welcomed countless visitors since reopening in June, to coincide with the return of the First Light Festival, a spokesman said: "With a well-stocked bar, street food offerings, plenty of space and a big screen, East Point Pavilion is the perfect place to catch 2022's World Cup matches, beaming live from Qatar to Lowestoft."
Genevieve Christie, CEO of First Light Festival CIC - who manage the Pavilion - said: "With what we believe to be the biggest screen in town, plenty of seating, a well-stocked bar and a delicious mix of street food to keep the masses fed, it feels as if East Point Pavilion was made for joyous gatherings like the World Cup.
"The whole East Point team is really looking forward to welcoming the community over the next six weeks as we celebrate the highs and lows of the beautiful game, cheering on the England team from our warm, sociable hub at the heart of Lowestoft."
With the seafront pavilion showing all England games, plus a "wide selection of popular fixtures throughout the competition", the spokesman added: "We have a large cinema screen installed in the Pavilion, lent to us by our friends at Lowestoft Film Festival, which we believe will be the largest screen showing the football in the town.
"Screenings will be unticketed, on a first come, first served basis.
"With our food hall-style trestle tables, there should be plenty of space for people to gather and celebrate with friends."
Special drinks will be available from the in-house bar - run by Sir Toby’s Beers - with food on offer across the tournament.
The spokesman added: "If there are particular matches people would like to see, they’d be welcome to contact us via social media and let us know!"
They added all fixtures will be updated online as the tournament progresses.
The popular family run pub in the centre of Oulton Broad - The Ole Frank - which shows live sport on six screens, said "Our World Cup starts with England v Iran on Monday."
With "the flags up", the pub on Gresham Avenue will open from 11am, ahead of a 1pm kick off on Monday, with further details on its Facebook page.
With England's World Cup campaign "nearly here" at BAR 20 and Rooftop Terrace on Claremont Pier in Lowestoft, they will be showing England versus Iran on Monday and games throughout the tournament.
A post on its Facebook page said: "We will be offering free entry into our Football Fan Zone here at The Venue!
"Make sure to come down and support your country."
'Respect others'
With Suffolk police urging football fans to enjoy the 2022 FIFA World Cup, behave appropriately and respect others - officers are reminding supporters to celebrate safely and be drink aware.
Chief Supt David Cutler of Norfolk and Suffolk Joint Protective Services said: “The World Cup is a global celebration recognising great football, great players and different cultures, let’s make sure this is the same in Norfolk and Suffolk and that we all show respect for each other.
"This tournament is not an excuse to allow emotions to spill over into anti-social behaviour, hurting other people or damaging property.
"Any abusive behaviour on any level will not be tolerated – whatever the time of year and whatever the occasion."
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