Yeovil pub's huge screen unveiled as fanzone to be held throughout Euro 2024

The landlords of a pub claim they will be the only place in Somerset to watch the Euros on a large outdoor screen. The Great Lyde pub, based on Cavalier Way, won permission for five temporary event notices (TENs) to create a fanzone within their pub car park for the duration of the tournament, including a giant screen and a bouncy castle.

Landlord Michael Krzyzanowski has spent more than £20,000 on hiring the six-by-four metre screen, stage, marquee and various items for the tournament. Staff were working hard on Thursday afternoon (June 13) to ensure the fanzone will be ready for the Euros opener Germany v Scotland on Friday evening (June 14).

James Krzyzanowski said he was “excited” to open up the fanzone after selling hundreds of tickets to revellers and resident before the tournament. He said: “Yeovil has never had anything like this when big football event is on or when a big sport event is on where fans and families can go together and appreciate it together.

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“It’s kind of our gift to the community where it’s somewhere you can all come with your family, friends or just watch the games.”

Wizard Marquees And Events has provided the stage, sound system, large marquee and outside bar for the fan park, with its landlords keen to ensure every tournament game will be broadcast on the six-by-four metre screen. A family fun zone will feature a bouncy castle, face painting, beat the goalie game and arts and crafts for children.

Live music will be performed before England games, with food trucks and vans also on offer. The fanzone will be free for under 12s but otherwise ticketed at £3 for group games, £5 for round of 16, quarter finals will be priced £7.50, £10 for the semi-final fixtures and £15 for the final. The pub is expected to be busy throughout the tournament, with more than 200 tickets have been sold for the first England game against Serbia on Sunday (June 16).

The pub was pleased to win permission for the temporary fanzone after facing objections from Avon and Somerset Police, as well as the pub’s uncertain future. Security will also be in place in the fanzone.

James added: “It’s a big relief. We were understanding of the objections that the police and environmental health did have but those objections we put policies and systems in place to make sure that’s all kept on top of.

“I’m not going to sit and tell everybody that it’s not going to create noise because it’s football and wherever it is, it is going to create noise.

About the England games, where the fanzone will be at its busiest, he said: “It’s only going to be seven games maximum if England get to the final. Where it will be loud where there are loads of people on site and actually most of the community are going to be here enjoying it.

When asked about England’s chances, James said: “I’m hoping they will win it but semi final is a realistic possibility.” Tickets can be purchased via the pub or on their website.