PUBS across Bradford are gearing up for the Euros in style with one landlord predicting the atmosphere is going to be "electric" over the next month.

Euro 2020 - yes, that is what it's called - kicked off last night with Turkey taking on Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

But the biggest day for pubs across the district and country will be Sunday, for England's first group game at 2pm.

The Three Lions are matched up against modern rivals, Croatia, and will take to the Wembley turf knowing their opponents halted the side's dreams of World Cup glory at the semi-final stage in 2018.

One pub that is truly getting into the spirit of things to blow away the cobwebs of a troublesome year-and-a-half and to open the festival of football in style, is The Woodman, in Manchester Road.

The pub is covered in flags of the competing nations outside the front of the building and also has other banners hung from the roof of its outside covered area, creating a canopy of colour.

Landlord, Simon Barber, was putting even more bunting up when he spoke to the T&A on the phone.

He said it is all about fostering community spirit and bringing a smile to people's faces after a torrid 15 months.

Mr Barber added: "It's one of them ones, it's been a bad year, it got postponed last year, the World Cup is coming up next year and we're trying to get the community spirit back.

"Even during Christmas we decorated, we decorated for Paddy's Day.

"If there's no community spirit there, what are they going to think?"

The New Inn, in Otley Road, Baildon, has also opted for flags hanging on the front of the pub, creating a striking scene for any motorists passing by on the busy route.

The month long competition was delayed a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, which also led to drinking holes embarking on a tumultuous in-and-out journey of being forced to close, open with restrictions and then close again.

Pubs have steadily been able regain some from of normality from March this year, beginning with outdoor service and then people being allowed indoors once again, albeit with restrictions.

Mr Barber said: "It's nice to actually get into a routine now and get stuff ready for summer.

"We've got seating outside for 170 at the moment, with a covered area.

"There's two 55 inch 4K outdoor TVs, with external sound for commentary.

"This weekend we've got a local independent pizza guy.

"It's not just pubs that have suffered, people have suffered too."

"I think it's going to be an electric atmosphere. A nice vibe across it.

"We can't go too mental until the announcement next week, but we can be well behaved and still enjoy ourselves, even if you're sat down singing."

Meanwhile, The Princess, in Rawdon, has dug out four big TV screens in preparation for the tournament, despite not usually showing sport in the pub.

Landlady, Aimee Emmett, said: "It's something we thought about doing, SkySports, but we got a feel for the customers and they don't mind it every couple of years."

The Princess broadcast the World Cup back in 2018 and has strategically placed the screens in each of the pub's rooms to ensure "every seat is the best seat in the house."