HUNDREDS of football fans are expected to gather on Torquay seafront to watch England tackle Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals next weekend.

A big screen will be the focal point of the family-friendly ‘Fan Zone’ in Abbey Park, with around 1,500 people expected to be there.

The zone will open at 2pm on Saturday July 11, with the match itself kicking off at 10pm. England qualified for the quarter-finals with a thrilling win over Mexico early this morning, while Norway saw off big guns Brazil last night.

The event will be led by local businesses the Foundry, the Apple & Parrot and Offshore Bar & Restaurant, following public demand for more outdoor community events during major sporting tournaments.

If England beat Norway on Saturday there is the possibility of a semi-final event on Wednesday July 15. The final itself will take place on Sunday July 19.

The event will feature food and drink including a licensed bar, on-site toilet facilities, and a selection of local traders. Entry is free, with priority queue tickets available via The Foundry, while general admission will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

The site will include a single large viewing screen for live broadcasts and a stage for performances by local bands. Organisers are working closely with a local sound technician to ensure sound levels remain within agreed limits.

Cllr Jackie Thomas (Con, Kings Ash), who is Torbay Council’s cabinet member for tourism and events, said: It’s great to see local businesses working collaboratively to deliver an event like this for Torbay.

“The fan zone will add to the wonderful vibrant atmosphere I’m seeing across the bay during the tournament in our local bars and pubs. The watch party in Abbey Park gives residents and visitors even more opportunities to come together and enjoy the games in a welcoming, community setting.”

Event organiser Alnardo Folloni added: “We’re really excited to bring this fan zone to Abbey Park and create a fantastic, family-friendly space where the community can come together to support England. There’s been a real appetite locally for outdoor watch events, and we’re proud to be working with partners and the Torbay Council teams to deliver something that’s safe, well-managed and enjoyable for everyone.”

For safety, Abbey Park will be temporarily enclosed during match screenings.

The prospect of having a big screen on the seafront for the later matches in the tournament was first raised during a Teignbridge Council meeting at which Chief Inspector James Stock said preparations were in hand for a potential event.

At the same meeting he revealed that extra officers were also standing by to handle a potential increase in domestic violence linked to the World Cup.

He said police would have ‘agility’ for the later stages of the competition, with officers on standby to work on the key dates.

Studies have shown that domestic violence increases by 38 per cent when the national team loses and by 26 per cent when it wins or draws. Binge drinking linked to football matches increases the severity and frequency of physical violence.

People affected by domestic violence can call the Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.org.uk.