Celebrate 60 Years Since England’s Greatest Football Triumph with the New ’66 World Cup Trail
This summer, families are invited to step back into one of the most memorable moments in English sporting history with the launch of the new ‘66 World Cup Trail in Bury St Edmunds, running from Saturday 4 July to Sunday 6 September.
The trail marks the 60th anniversary of the historic FIFA World Cup victory by England, still the only time that an England team has lifted football’s biggest prize. Our fingers are crossed that Harry Kane can lead the team in this year’s competition to emulate the success of “the boys of ’66”. The trail offers a fun and educational way to celebrate this landmark moment in the sporting history of England.
To mark the launch and the start of Independents Day Weekend, a giant Human Table Football will be set up in Charter Square at The arc Shopping Centre on Friday 3 July and Saturday 4 July from 10. 30am-5. 30pm, giving members of the public the chance to take part free of charge. Bury St Edmunds Town Mayor Cllr Donna Higgins and Deputy Mayor Cllr Diane Hind will referee the opening game on the Human Table Football.
Organised by Our Bury St Edmunds Business Improvement District (BID), the trail aims to combine family entertainment, local history and community engagement while encouraging visitors to explore the town centre during the school summer holidays.
Mark Cordell, CEO of Our Bury St Edmunds BID, said: “This is a wonderful way to celebrate one of the greatest moments in English sporting history while bringing people into our town centre and supporting local businesses, many of which are independent. The trail is completely free, suitable for all ages and packed with fascinating stories that many younger people may never have heard before. ”
Participants will be challenged to find 10 ’66 World Cup-themed items hidden in businesses throughout the town centre. The trail has been designed to encourage visitors to discover local shops, cafés and attractions while learning more about England’s famous 1966 victory.
Adding to the town’s celebrations of the 1966 World Cup anniversary, Bury St Edmunds-based brewer Greene King has teamed up with Sir Geoff Hurst, the last living member of England’s World Cup-winning team, to create 60 Years of Hurst, a special-edition cask ale available exclusively in Greene King’s Pub Partners pubs.
Items to spot include:
• A pennant featuring World Cup Willie, the tournament’s famous mascot
• Replica Jules Rimet trophies
• World Cup Stamps
• Photo of Sir Alf Ramsey statue
• 66 World Cup newspaper front page
• Photo of the World Cup winners
• Football
• 66 tournament programme
• 1966 World Cup book
• 1966 winners’ presentation plaque
The trail also highlights Suffolk’s connection to football history through Sir Alf Ramsey, the England manager who led the national team to glory and who won the league title as Ipswich Manager in 1962.
Organisers hope the trail will introduce a new generation to a story that many grandparents remember vividly but which most parents, aunts and uncles were not yet born to witness. In 1966, millions watched England’s dramatic 4-2 extra-time victory over West Germany on black-and-white televisions, creating memories that have endured for six decades.
Along the way, visitors will uncover some of the fascinating stories behind the tournament, from World Cup Willie becoming the first-ever World Cup mascot to the famous Jules Rimet Trophy, named after the founder of the competition. They may even discover the tale of Pickles the dog, who famously recovered the stolen trophy just weeks before the tournament began.
Participants will have a chance to win a variety of prizes including a year membership of The Apex courtesy of West Suffolk Council, Bury St Edmunds gift cards and world cup memorabilia.
Families can pick up trail sheets from the St Edmundsbury Cathedral tourist information point, Moyse’s Hall Museum, The Apex, Bury St Edmunds Library and the participating businesses who will also display a poster. You can also download the trail leaflet from the Our Bury St Edmunds BID website.
Whether you’re a lifelong football fan, a local history enthusiast or simply looking for a free family activity, the ’66 World Cup Trail promises a summer of discovery, nostalgia and community spirit.
Trail Details
’66 World Cup Trail
Dates: Saturday 4 July – Sunday 6 September 10. 30am – 5. 30pm
Cost: Free
Location: Participating town centre businesses, Bury St Edmunds
Suitable for: All ages
The ’66 World Cup Trail runs throughout Bury St Edmunds town centre from Saturday 4 July to Sunday 6 September. For more information and to download a trail leaflet, visit https: //www. ourburystedmunds. com/the-66-world-cup-trail
