18/08/2023
Football fever is set to hit Darlington on Sunday morning, with people getting together to cheer on the Lionesses in the final of the FIFA Women's World Cup.
Council leader Stephen Harker said: “Together with the rest of the country, I was proud to see the Lionesses reach the final. Like millions of others, I’ll be tuning in on Sunday morning to cheer on Sarina Wiegman’s team as they take on Spain in the final.
“With the Lionesses’ game against Spain kicking off at 11am on Sunday and being shown live on free-to-air TV, there will be plenty of opportunities for people to tune in and watch – whether that’s at home, or it’s a great opportunity to get together with friends and family at one of the many pubs, bars and sports clubs who will no doubt love to see you!”
The following town centre venues have already confirmed they will be screening the match:
✅ The Old Dun Cow, Post House Wynd
✅ Darlington Flyer, Skinnergate
✅ The Lounge, Bondgate
✅ Dolphin Centre Bistro (family friendly)
✅ Tapas Bar, Bondgate
✅ The Red Lion, Bondgate
✅ The Green Dragon, Post House Wynd
✅ The Hoptimist, Tubwell Row
✅ The Golden C**k, Tubwell Row
✅ Tubwell Tap, Bondgate
✅ Boot & Shoe, Church Row
✅ The Vault, Indoor Market
✅ The Turks Head, Bondgate
✅ Slaters Arms, Bondgate
✅ Hoskins, Blackwellgate
✅ Hideway Bar & Pizzeria, Duke St
✅ The William Stead, Crown Street
✅ Tanners Hall, Skinnergate
✅ The Juniper Tree, Grange Road
Cllr Harker added: “We’ve been asked where people will be able to watch the final in Darlington, and if the council would organise a big-screen showing the final in the market square.
“As nice an idea as that is, if the council did do this it would inevitably take customers away from the many hospitality venues in town centre. I’m sure the town centre pubs and bars would much rather show the match in their own premises.
“Similarly, when the England men’s team reached the final of the UEFA European Championships in 2021, there was no council-organised big screen event.
“Win or lose, the Lionesses can be assured of our full support, both in Darlington and up and down the country. Come on England!”
Town centre landmarks including the clock tower are being lit up red and white to support the Lionesses.
