And now it looks likely that Jersey will be able to join the fun with its own outdoor big screen ahead of England’s semi-final clash with Croatia tomorrow evening following a campaign led by Deputy Kevin Pamplin.
The St Saviour Deputy spent much of yesterday in discussions with representatives from St Helier, the Bailiff’s Panel and Economic Development to try to set up a big screen to bring fans eager to watch the game together.
And by last night it was looking likely that a screen will be placed at Jardins de la Mer tomorrow, with funding coming from the Economic Development Department and corporate sponsorship.
Deputy Pamplin said St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft had been ‘very supportive’ and had suggested potential sites with the People’s Park being one of the areas considered.
However, Deputy Pamplin said that the desire to create a ‘family friendly’ area away from the pubs and clubs meant that Jardins de la Mer was ultimately the best site.
Deputy Pamplin said: ‘I have been watching the World Cup like most people seem to have been.
‘It became very clear from talking to people that they wanted a big screen.
‘We have seen the images from the screens around the British Isles and how it has brought people together.’
He said the screen would be similar to those used for Liberation Day and that he had been in contact with a company that could set it up.
‘The Bailiff’s Panel have been supportive and they have been thinking about how to make it work logistically,’ he said.
Meanwhile on Twitter, Deputy Pamplin said he hoped events of national significance could be shown on public screens on more occasions in the future, adding: ‘my big passion is bringing people and our community together and this is just one way’.
England have reached the semi-finals of the World Cup for the first time since 1990, with the match due to kick-off at 7 pm on Wednesday.
Police have confirmed that Islanders were well behaved after Saturday’s quarter-final win and there were no problems reported that were associated with the football.
