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Skegness included in Nottingham World Cup bid

Nottingham has submitted its final bid to be a host city for the 2018 World Cup and Skegness is identified as a potential FIFA Fan Fest location.

The final bid required two formal FIFA Fan Fest sites to be named and those chosen were Wollaton Hall and Trentside.  However, Skegness’ strong ties with the City resulted in it being included as a potential location, particularly after the success of the SO 2009 festival and the fact that it brings a different dimension to the bid.

The final bid includes details of the resort’s award winning beach and open spaces, identifying them as ideal locations for sporting events in the run up to the World Cup and also for showing games live and holding other related events.

Representatives from East Lindsey District Council, Skegness Town Council and Butlins, hosted the Football Association and the Nottingham 2018 Bid Team when they visited Skegness in September for a tour as they were putting the finishing touches to the submission.

Leader of East Lindsey District Council, Councillor Doreen Stephenson, is delighted: “We are working hard to raise the profile of Skegness to drive regeneration in the resort and this is another exciting chance to put the resort on the international stage. The success of SO 2009 was instrumental in our inclusion in the bid and the FA were impressed with what they saw when they visited.  We must continue to show that Skegness is forward thinking and keen to seize these opportunities to be part of major events.  I wish Nottingham luck as we move into evaluation stage for their bid.”

Chairman of Skegness Town Council’s Publicity Working Group, Councillor George Saxon, said: “Skegness has close links with Nottingham and this was the reason why the 2018 Bid Team approached us.  I will be looking to strength the links with Nottingham and other cities in the East Midlands to ensure we continue to attract holidaymakers from these areas over the coming years.  On behalf of the people of Skegness we wish the Nottingham bid the best of luck.”

Nottingham expects to hear if its bid is successful in the New Year.  Following this, the Football Association will submit its final bid to FIFA to be the host country.

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