With just days to go until the whistle blows to start the Vitality Netball World Cup, plans have been unveiled for an official fan zone at Chavasse Park, Liverpool ONE.
The green space will be the home of the Fan Park, and throughout the competition (12-21 July), it will be a hive of activity and a great way to soak up the World Cup atmosphere.
Free to enter, visitors will be able to watch the match action streamed live on a giant screen, take part in our netball activities and enjoy an exciting programme of music and entertainment.
Programmed by Culture Liverpool – the city council’s award-winning team of event organisation experts – expect samba bands, dance performances and workshops, DJs, film screenings, choirs and even a number of stars from the sporting world to descend on the Fan Park.
Broadcaster, journalist and author Clare Balding will be one of the well-known faces to be involved in a special Q&A on the final day. Clare will talk about her award-winning career, its highlights and any advice she would give to both men and women who are looking to follow in her footsteps.
The free talk will form part of the city’s RISE programme which celebrates extraordinary women.
A number of appearances will also be made from elite, international netball players throughout the ten days.
And don’t forget the official mascot Jude will be a frequent visitor and will be selfie-ready at all times.
Clare Balding said: “I’m delighted and excited to be part of the Vitality Netball World Cup and Liverpool’s RISE programme and look forward to sharing my experiences, to encourage and motivate more young women to think about a career in sport.
“With Liverpool hosting the Vitality Netball World Cup, it’s the perfect opportunity to see brilliantly passionate teams of women at the top of their game, and we can use this to kick-start a conversation about what can be achieved by women from every sector of society, and every part of the country.”
Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for culture, tourism and events, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “For ten days netball fever is going to take over the city.
“We wanted to create an area for those fans without match tickets to come together and feel part of the action and there is an exciting mix of music, dance, workshops and of course netball, to keep people entertained.
“We’re delighted to have big names like Clare Balding involved – she is a legendary name in the sporting world and a real ambassador for women in sports and it will be fascinating to hear her talk about her experiences.”
Full details of the Fan Park programme can be found at www.cultureliverpool.co.uk with daily updates on @culturelpool on Twitter or Culture Liverpool on Instagram and Facebook.
For more information about the Vitality Netball World Cup, which takes place at the M&S Bank Arena, visit www.nwc2019.co.uk
Please note, although it is free entry, space will be limited.
Visitors are encouraged to post pictures of their time in the fan park using #ThisIsNetball and tagging @NetballWorldCup, @CultureLpool and @lpoolcouncil in any pictures.
