A Bury St Edmunds community is being encouraged to come together and celebrate its diversity through a series of World Cup-themed evenings.

East Anglian Daily Times: Newbury Community Centre Bury St EdmundsNewbury Community Centre Bury St Edmunds (Image: Archant)

Fans of all nationalities are being invited to Newbury Social Club, on the Howard estate, to enjoy free entry for the duration of the World Cup.

Three match-themed barbecues will also take place at selected games and the initiative has been organised by borough councillor Max Clarke and has been backed by fellow borough councillors Paul Hopfensperger, David Nettleton, Robert Everitt and town councillor Tom Murray.

Mr Clarke, who represents the St Olaves Ward, said: “We have quite a few Polish and Portuguese people living in the area but I’m conscious that as a community perhaps we haven’t mixed as well as we could.

“I wanted to bring our community together to celebrate the diversity we have in Bury St Edmunds and build stronger community ties – all through the beautiful language of football.

“Of course, this isn’t just for Polish, Portuguese and England fans but for all of the residents of our wonderful town. We are one.”

The first of the barbecues will take place on Friday, June 15, when Portugal plays Spain at 7pm with Portuguese and Mediterranean food available from 5.30pm.

Then on Sunday, June 24, Columbia play Poland at 7pm with a barbecue of Polish food from 5.30pm.

Finally, on Thursday, June 28, England play Belgium at 7pm with a barbecue of British food from 5.30pm.

All are welcome.