As the England team prepares for its face-off against Spain in the Euro 2024 final tonight, one estate in Oldham has high hopes football will be coming home and has organised a footy-themed mini-festival for families.
Over on the orchard field on the Alt estate, a party is being prepared for the UEFA Euros 2024 final this evening with hundreds of people expected to attend.
Equipped with bouncy castles for children, 75-inch plasma screen TVs, plus a barbeque, fireworks, flares and music being played all day, the Alt estate is planning a huge celebratory family-friendly event to commemorate the big day.
Trish and her neighbours have been busy decorating the field (Image: Trish Johns)
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It's not the first time neighbours have rallied together to support the Lions, either.
In July 2021, lead organiser, Trish Johns, managed to pull off two bouncy castles, gazebos, TV screens with sound systems, seats, and of course, lots of England flags and balloons, plus an ice cream van.
The last Alt estate Euros party was a huge success (Image: Trish Johns)
While music blared 'it's coming home', dozens of residents gathered on the grass and revelled in high spirits with drinks and food.
Unfortunately, England lost out to Italy in penalties in the tense Euros 2020 final, however, the Lionesses were crowned Euro 2022 champions after beating Germany 2-1 in extra time.
It was England's first major trophy since the men's team won the World Cup in 1966, and fans across the country are hopeful that the boys will be bringing it back home again from Berlin.
England flags, bunting and signs have been put up all around the orchard fields (Image: Trish Johns)
The Alt estate is also sharing this optimism as Trish has, once again, pooled resources together for their Euros 2024 party which kicks off at 2pm today (Sunday).
The jamboree had been funded entirely by neighbours and even the grim weather forecast isn't threatening to dampen spirits.
Scaffolders are currently being ushered in to build a shelter to provide some coverage if it does rain.
Trish had fun testing out the bouncy castle with her grandchildren this morning (Image: Trish Johns)
Trish added: "This weather will not stop us. It's coming home."
Sneak peek footage of the party prep shows the orchard field has been well-decorated with balloons, England flags, bouncy castles and a giant sign which reads: "It's coming home".
Trish said there has been "a lot of effort and funding" gone into the event, meaning there will now be an entrance fee for partygoers towards the food, drinks and bouncy castles.
The bouncy castle went up this morning (Image: Trish Johns)
Her daughter-in-law, Rachael Smith, said planning started the moment England won the semi-final against The Netherlands on Wednesday (July 10).
She added: "It was decided that night.
"I haven't been a part of it - it's all Trish and her family.
"Lots of people have helped put it all together."
Expect live screening of the game and a festival atmosphere (Image: Trish Johns)
Neighbours are also looking forward to the mini-festival, with many taking to social media to describe the set-up as "mega" and a "lovely thing to do" for the community.
If you can't make it to the Alt estate, pubs and several other venues across the borough are planning to screen the Euros final with lots of pre-game entertainment before the teams kick off at 8pm.
Where will you be watching the match and how do you plan on celebrating?
Let us know in the comments below or email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk
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