The Chelmsford Urban Business Grant Scheme now open for applications. If you are eligible, you can apply for up to £10,000. You can find out more details and apply online on the Invest Chelmsford website.
Fifa World Cup 2026
Canada, Mexico and the USA will be hosting the Fifa World Cup 2026 between 11 June and 19 July. The BBC or ITV will show all World Cup matches.
The Government has confirmed that pubs in England and Wales will be able to remain open for longer if they are showing an England or Scotland match. This match must be a match that takes place beyond the group stages of the tournament.
If a kick-off takes place between 5pm and 9pm, pubs will be able to stay open until 1am. If a kick-off takes place between 9pm and 10pm, pubs will be able to stay open until 2am.
This will apply for matches that are:
in the round of 32
in the round of 16
the quarter-finals
the semi-finals
the bronze medal match
the World Cup final
Matches that start before 5pm or after 10pm will not benefit from the extension. If a pub wants to open later for a match that starts before 5pm or after 10pm, they must apply for a Temporary Events Notice.
The extended hours only apply to pubs in England and Wales that are already licensed to 11pm. The extension does not extend the hours for their regulated entertainment.
If you wish to stay open later for the World Cup, you should complete a risk assessment and record any decisions you make. You can download safety management resources from The British Beer and Cup Association (BBPA).
If a pub wants to benefit from the extended hours, but they are not licensed to 11pm, they must apply for a Temporary Events Notice.
You can find full details of the extended licensing hours for the World Cup 2026 on the GOV.UK website.