The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan and the organising team behind UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 are thrilled to announce that Trafalgar Square will host a screening of England’s semi-final match
on Tuesday evening.
The entire country has been enthralled by England’s incredible performances over the last few weeks and given the significance of Tuesday night’s game, City Hall wants to help fans follow the team’s journey with the country’s largest outdoor screening.
The match, which kicks off at 8pm on Tuesday, July 26, will give England women a chance to reach their first EUROs final since 2009. Trafalgar Square will host up to 5,000 supporters who will be able to watch the match for free on a first-come-first-served basis.
The screening will be standing only, so attendees may wish to bring a picnic blanket to sit on (no camping chairs allowed). Accessible viewing space with chairs and space for wheelchairs will be available.
In order to gauge demand, those considering attending the semi-final screening are asked to register their interest by visiting www.london.gov.uk/womenseuro2022 by 5pm on Monday 25 July. Registration does not guarantee entry but will ensure people receive updates about the event and help the Mayor’s Office to plan for the screening.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “As a huge football fan, I have been swept away by the incredible performances of Ellen White, Lauren Hemp, Beth Mead and our wonderful squad.
“With EUROs fever gripping the country, I am delighted that thousands of Londoners and visitors will be able to come together and cheer the team on to glory on Tuesday night.”
Senior Host City Manager for UEFA Women’s EURO 2022, Bev Ward, said: “All nine of our host cities have played a pivotal role in putting on a range of events which have helped make this year’s tournament such a record-breaking spectacle.
“We have seen fans and families from all nations come together to enjoy food, music and entertainment at our fan parties and now it is Londoners turn to show their support. Whether you are a diehard football fan or just looking to enjoy your first tournament, we want everyone to share in the momentum of this event.”
From this Saturday (July 23), Trafalgar Square will be transformed into an official UEFA ‘Fan Party’, offering a packed programme of activity, free for all to enjoy. This will include a pop-up football pitch featuring exhibition games, interactive football-themed activities and food and drink stalls offering a wide variety of cuisines. The ‘Fan Party’ will be free to enter and open daily from Saturday July 23 to Sunday July 31, between 11am and 6pm.
Trafalgar Square will also be hosting a free screening of box-office hit ‘Bend it Like Beckham’ to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its release on Sunday July 24 at 3pm as part of this year’s South Asian Heritage Month celebrations. There’s plenty to enjoy before the film starts with the whole day having a South Asian focus. Hosted by BBC Asian Network presenter Harpz Kaur, panellists will include Aston Villa WFC’s Maz Pacheco, Watford FC’s Rosie Kmita and Derby County FC’s Kira Rai. Freestyle footballer Kaljit Atwal will showcase her skills ahead of director Gurinda Chadha introducing the blockbuster. A post-screen panel will feature England legends Fara Williams and Rachel Yankey and film cast members Ameet Chana and Shaheen Khan. Due to the film’s rating, this event is only open to people aged 12+.
An FA Disability Day on Thursday 28 July will promote accessibility with partially sighted, blind, amputee and powerchair groups playing on the Fan Party’s pop-up football pitch. Visitors will be able to take part in free coaching sessions.
Trafalgar Square will also show a free screening of the final (whether England are playing or not) which kicks off at 5pm on Sunday, July 31. This screening will also be standing only. Photo by Diliff, Wikimedia commons.