While spectator sport remains largely confined to digital images with limited audience capacity, Hastings Pier is about to stretch those limitations to the ultimate. Its decking above the waves will be the setting for big-screen viewings of the European Championships over the next month. 

The organisers 4thefans have also set up Fan Parks in London and Manchester, but the 600-capacity venue in Hastings – arrayed on 100 Bier Garden benches with six fans per bench – could be the liveliest anywhere. It could also be the wildest and wettest if the weather is less than benign.

Bookings for England’s first two matches, against Croatia on Sunday afternoon (13th June) and Scotland next Friday evening (18th), are already sold out at £30 per bench. Seats for other fixtures, including quarterfinals and semi-finals if they involve the England team, are still available as we go to press, with fuller hospitality packages on offer at higher prices.

Will England – or Wales or Scotland – rule the waves? We’ll find out over the next month.