Pubs and clubs in Bradford are preparing for this summer’s World Cup by installing big screens to show games and putting up flags to display support for England.

Licensees are also holding sweepstakes on matches and offering various promotions to build enthusiasm ahead of the big tournament in South Africa.

Bosses at Bar 25, in Little Germany, Bradford, are already getting into the spirit. Owner Ryan Campey said: “We are doing promotions on food and are also running sweepstakes to get people interested. We have got two screens, so we’re looking forward to showing the games.”

David Haigh, honorary president of the Bradford Inner City Licensees Association, said he hoped pubs would receive a much-needed boost from the World Cup, but added that a lot would depend on the weather.

He said: “If the weather stays hot and sunny, people will probably stay at home, have a barbecue and watch it on their own televisions.

“If it rains, we will have a chance of getting some extra customers. I expect it will give a small boost to the pubs, but not as much as some people think.”

Mr Haigh, who runs Haigy’s Bar, in Lumb Lane, said: “We will be giving everyone the chance to watch it. Some of them enjoy sitting with their mates and screaming at the television.”

Meanwhile, a Bradford nightclub is also planning to screen the games.

Dean Loynes, designated premises supervisor at Lingards, said: “We will have two large screens at either end of the club space, which will make two screens and surround sound through the Funktion 1 sound system. In addition we will have a plasma behind the bar and on the smoking terrace, so nobody need miss a kick of a ball.

“We are thinking entry £2 ticket only, which will be returned in sponsorship. This gives anybody who wishes to take up the offer an opportunity to raise money by selling tickets to their own team members.

“There will be a comedian on before the game and at half time.”

Responding to Bradford Council’s decision not to show England games on the big screen in Centenary Square, Mr Loynes said: “From what I recall at the 2006 World Cup finals, I spoke to a few licensees who said it didn’t help their trade due to the fact that people could turn up with cases of beer sold at supermarkets and booze bargain shops. They said 90 per cent of alcohol consumed in that non-regulated way was purchased away from the centre.”