FOOTBALL is dominating the news headlines with many people eager for England to claim victory in Euro 2020.

However, if you are tired of the ‘it’s coming home’ chants and couldn’t care less about Harry Kane’s goal count, then this article is for you.

There are plenty of things to do in Lancashire instead of watching the game in an overcrowded pub.

We have compiled a list of local businesses to support and activities to get stuck into instead.

1. Go to a pub that ISN’T showing the game

The England game might be showing at the majority of pubs in the local area- but not all of them.

The Butler’s Arms in Pleasington, Blackburn confirmed that they will not be showing the game and have availability for tonight.

The picturesque pub is said to have a ‘country pub feel’ is also renowned for its food- so make sure to turn up with an empty stomach.

If the Butler’s Arms isn’t for you, the majority of Wetherspoons pubs won’t be playing the England game.

However, ring ahead with your local just to double check.

2. Try out a new food venue

Take this time to try out a new restaurant- as plenty have opened during the pandemic that you might not have even realized were here.

It’s also a great chance to support other businesses in the hospitality sector and help them to thrive.

German Doner Kebab in Blackburn can seat up to 101 people and opened its doors for indoor dining on May 17.

However, this isn’t your regular kebab shop- the serve gourmet doner kebabs and some delicious looking sides.

Not feeling a kebab? Kings Castle Diner also opened on Darwen Street in Blackburn. The menu serves up 22 types of burgers, wraps, hot dogs and pizzas and has an extensive dessert offering, with shakes, ice-creams and waffles.

3. Escape from a room

England might be put under penalties pressure this evening- and you could be facing your own type of pressure in an escape room.

For those who don’t know, in an escape room you have 60 minutes to solve puzzles and break free.

Some Lancashire escape rooms have some last minute evening availability if you and your friends are up to a challenge.

Lockdown Ormskirk on Church Street is still accepting bookings for three of its rooms.

Get your tickets at the following website: https://lockdownormskirk.co.uk/book-now/.

4. Book an evening golf game

Try out your own sport while the England game is on by booking a late evening game of golf.

Some golf courses let you book some late slots, including Blackburn Golf Club where the latest 18 hole tee time in 6:30 (prices start from £15).

Depending on your skill level, you could easily whittle away a few hours trying to score a hole in one.

Alternatively, Rossendale Driving Range at Marl Pits Leisure Complex in Rossendale is open until 9:30 pm and range ball prices start from £3.50 (without a loyalty card).

It has 22 bays which are floodlit- meaning you can still see what you’re doing even when it gets a little dark.

5. Go to a musical

Feeling spontaneous? You can still buy tickets to a Blackpool Opera House musical that’s taking place tonight.

From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power. These Queens may have green sleeves but their lipstick is rebellious red.

Six the Musical starts at 8pm and tickets are currently start at £30.25.

Get your tickets to the Winter Gardens event online.

6. Go to the Cinema

When was the last time you went to the cinema? 

Now is your chance to watch the latest blockbusters on the big screen while most people are in the pub. 

Here are some of the most recent movies currently previewing in Lancashire cinemas right now: 

  • Cruella

Rating: 12A
Description: A live-action prequel feature film following a young Cruella de Vil.

  • Black Widow

    Rating:12A 
    Description: A film about Natasha Romanoff in her quests between the films Civil War and Infinity War.
  • Fast and Furious 9

Rating: 12A
Description: Cipher enlists the help of Jakob, Dom's younger brother to take revenge on Dom and his team.

  • The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard

Rating: 15
Description: The bodyguard Michael Bryce continues his friendship with assassin Darius Kincaid as they try to save Darius' wife Sonia.

  • In The Heights

    Rating: PG
    Description: A film version of the Broadway musical in which Usnavi, a sympathetic New York bodega owner, saves every penny every day as he imagines and sings about a better life.
     
  • A Quiet Place II

    Rating: 14
    Description: Following the events at home, the Abbott family now face the terrors of the outside world. Forced to venture into the unknown, they realize the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats lurking beyond the sand path.

Will you be watching the game or trying out one of the options on this list?