A MONTH-long footballing feast, boosted by hopes of England glory, is likely to mean boom time for pubs and clubs across Lowestoft and Waveney. And as South Africa 2010 kicks off today, licensees are gearing up for a World Cup tournament, which they hope will give the industry a welcome upturn.

A MONTH-long footballing feast, boosted by hopes of England glory, is likely to mean boom time for pubs and clubs across Lowestoft and Waveney.

And as South Africa 2010 kicks off today, licensees are gearing up for a World Cup tournament, which they hope will give the industry a welcome upturn.

England's campaign begins tomorrow against the USA, and with the first two group matches being evening kick-offs, football followers are likely to flock to pubs and clubs to watch the action.

Sarah Youngson, manager of Notley's PH in Royal Thoroughfare, told The Journal: 'We will be showing every game during the World Cup with our main emphasis on the England matches.

'This starts tomorrow for the England versus USA game at 7.30pm - but the message is to arrive early to soak up the atmosphere and secure yourself a good spot as it will be busy.'

With the venue claiming to host the 'biggest projector screen in town,' Notley's are aiming to repeat the fun of 2002 and 2006, which saw hundreds of football followers descend on the venue.

Drink offers will run during matches, but Ms Youngson added: 'We're members of Nightsafe so we would re-iterate the police message for people to have a good time but to drink responsibly.'

Nathan Smith, landlord of the Sunrise Inn on Corton Road, is also gearing up for the tournament.

'We are showing all the World Cup matches on two large TV's. As a family pub, which is family safe, children are welcome to attend with their parents for all the games,' he told The Journal.

'During England matches we will also be handing out tickets with every drink sold with a time for the first goal scored, and the winner receives an England supporters kit!' Mr Smith said.

Among the many other venues that will be showing matches are: Lake Lothing PH; The White Horse at Corton; the Kings Head, Kessingland which will have a free barbecue for all England games, with live music after the match; the Lady of the Lake in Oulton Broad, which will be showing England's games on a big screen followed by live music; Lowestoft Town FC at Crown Meadow; Kirkley & Pakefield FC at Walmer Road; The Old Red House, Carlton Colville which will be holding a World Cup fuzzball competition starting tomorrow - entry �5 per team - with cash prizes.

The Plough and Sail, Lowestoft ,will show all World Cup games on a large screen with Joe Public Karaoke taking centre stage after England's first game tomorrow; the Lord Nelson, Bevan Street is holding a free barbecue during England's opening game tomorrow, while The Carlton Pub, Pakefield and the Fisherman's Wharf on South Pier are also set to showcase the action.