World Cup on a big screen in the Market Place?, Your thoughts Options

[Mark NWN]

http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/News/Article...articleID=13440

ENGLAND’S upcoming World Cup campaign could be shown on a big screen in Newbury town centre.
The landlords of The Dolphin Hotel and the Snooty Fox, both in Bartholomew Street, and the Hogshead, in Wharf Street, have been in talks with West Berkshire Council over the possibility of setting up an outdoor screen in the market square to let fans watch World Cup games over the summer.
Matt Castle, landlord of The Dolphin Hotel and the Snooty Fox said: “It’s still early days but talks have been going well and we are hopeful of working something out. It’s been something that has been bubbling away for a while and we think it would be really good event for Newbury and the community.”
A spokeswoman for West Berkshire Council, Peta Stoddart-Crompton, said the publicans had met the council on Tuesday.
“The meeting was very positive and the organisers gave a good presentation to the Safety Advisory Group. The council is now looking forward to receiving a Temporary Events Notice from them,” she said.
If the event gets the go ahead it would be the first of its kind in Newbury.

What do you think of the proposal?

Is it something you'd like to see?

Let us know your thoughts on the matter. And in case you think this is more football news in the wrong place, a giant screen could be used for any kind of activity, even showing the final of X-Factor or something

[TallDarkAndHands...]

http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/News/Article...articleID=13440



What do you think of the proposal?

Is it something you'd like to see?

Let us know your thoughts on the matter. And in case you think this is more football news in the wrong place, a giant screen could be used for any kind of activity, even showing the final of X-Factor or something

I don't want to put a downer on this idea but what would people do about the beer they will obviously want to be drinking whilst watcing the game? Would it be legal to be drinking in the Market Square or would some sort of temporary license be granted? As for the X Factor. I'd rather watch grass grow then watch that dross...

[Guest_NSF_1_*]

Brilliant idea

[Mark NWN]

I don't want to put a downer on this idea but what would people do about the beer they will obviously want to be drinking whilst watcing the game? Would it be legal to be drinking in the Market Square or would some sort of temporary license be granted? As for the X Factor. I'd rather watch grass grow then watch that dross...

You are absolutely correct they would have to apply for a temporary licence.which would cover a set area, I don't think I could go something like that and not drink, even if its just the odd glass of coke.

Problem might be the hours of the games, off the top of my head I think it's 12:45, 3pm and 7:45 kick offs, so if you work regular(ish) hours, you're only going to be able to see one game a day

[misc]

No, it's not something I'd like to see, be it for football, talent shows or any other purpose.

[blackdog]

I'm against this idea partly because I don't really see watching TV as a particularly wonderful town activity, but my main concern is that it would take trade away from the many pubs that are counting on the World Cup to boost their trade at a particularly difficult time.

Within pubs any overindulgent fans can be controlled more efficiently, the last thing Market Place businesses need is a rowdy crowd making the area one to avoid.

[Iommi]

The market place full of football fans efin' and blindin' all afternoon or evening? Sounds great.

[Guest_Newburymafia_*]

If we've got to put up with the bloody football in the market place, I'd quite like to watch the F1 every weekend it's on too!...with a nice cold beer in hand

[Jayjay]

Great idea. Would also like it used for Olympics.

[Guest_Bill1_*]

I think it's a fantastic idea as long as it's well monitored.

Watched loads of games in a large square in 98 in Malta, many nationalities there and everything went really well, I like to think it could happen here too.

You could have live music and/or DJs afterwards too.

[Roost]

Call me cynical but I can't see it working somehow.

Think it's a great idea but along with that great idea of "cafe culture" I think there are inherent problems with trying to do something like this in the UK. Don't forget we're still fighting against 100 years of ingrained licensing laws that have only recentlt been relaxed.

[user23]

Sounds like a good idea. Two England group matches are on Friday and Saturday evenings when the Market Place is busy anyway.

[GMR]

I think it is an excellent idea. It will put people in the mood and create a great fun football month for everybody in Newbury. I also think it would attract quite a few people.

Let us hope this idea is not just talk and they will do it.

[GMR]

I don't want to put a downer on this idea but what would people do about the beer they will obviously want to be drinking whilst watcing the game? Would it be legal to be drinking in the Market Square or would some sort of temporary license be granted? As for the X Factor. I'd rather watch grass grow then watch that dross...

I am sure they will give a special licence (for drinks) for while the World cup match is being played. Let us get in the mood.

[GMR]

No, it's not something I'd like to see, be it for football, talent shows or any other purpose.

That is ok... you don't have to go

[Strafin]

Good idea - I've always looked at other towns that do this and felt quite jealous.

[GMR]

Good idea - I've always looked at other towns that do this and felt quite jealous.

I agree, we should be bringing something good to Newbury, instead of just winos, drunks and tramps.

[Hugh Saskin]

I am sure they will give a special licence (for drinks) for while the World cup match is being played. Let us get in the mood.

Good idea and I've just seen the Toshiba advert exhorting us to buy a new laptop before June 10th. They say that if England win, then they'll refund the purchase price. Do they know something we don't?

[Guest_Newbury Expat_*]

Excellent idea - hope it comes together.

I imagine the vast majority will be in good spirits and if anything it will bring footfall (through football) to the town centre.

Things like this can help enhance the fact that Newbury's a community at the end of the day.

[GMR]

Good idea and I've just seen the Toshiba advert exhorting us to buy a new laptop before June 10th. They say that if England win, then they'll refund the purchase price. Do they know something we don't?

Rumblows did the same many years ago. Was we got to the semi finals or whatever they started getting worried. In other words they don't expect England to win. I think we've got the best chance since the 1970s.