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Park cafe's World Cup fan zone approved by council

Darren CalpinLocal Democracy reporter
News imageLiesa Johannssen/PA Media A crowd of people in a football fan zone. Two people in the foreground have St George's crosses painted on their faces and appear happy.Liesa Johannssen/PA Media
Fan zones have become a regular sight in towns and cities "back home", as well as near stadiums where matches are taking place

A park cafe has been given the green light to host screenings during the football World Cup, despite some noise concerns.

The Willow Cafe in Peterborough's Central Park applied for permission from the city council to organise a temporary outdoor fan zone, which would include a big screen, eight tables and a standing area.

At present, the outdoor gardens and grounds are used for al fresco drinking and dining until 18:00 BST.

During the World Cup, which begins on 11 June, the area will have permission to stay open until 01:00 BST.

News imageGoogle A Google Streetview image of the brick-built cafe surrounded by trees. There is a car parked and a Union Flag in the background.Google
The Willow Cafe in Peterborough's Central Park said the fan zone would be ticketed

It is estimated that up to 1,200 people could attend the fan zone, but all would need a ticket and must comply with being searched upon entry.

In the application, the cafe acknowledged that "we will not be able to control vocal noise from supporters of the event".

The city council decided the proposals were agreeable, accepting the cafe's view that the temporary zone would be run as "a safe, family-friendly environment using a ticketing system", which would be "good for the city of Peterborough".

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