A tourist attraction’s bid to charge fans £12 a pop to watch England in the Euros on the big screen has been labelled “daylight robbery”.
Folkestone Harbour Arm will show all of England’s group games on their outdoor system in the Goods Yard this month.
But for the privilege, punters must stump up £13.09 per ticket when the £1.09 booking fee is added, while entry for under-14s is £8 plus 89p booking fee.
Residents have bashed the pricetag and questioned how it can be justified when parking, food and drink is not included.
It is understood that buying a ticket does not guarantee guests a seat, with terms and conditions reading: “Secure your spot by arriving early – gates open 1.5 hours before kick-off”.
On Facebook, Kieron Bobby commented: “Absolutely disgusting pricing.
“That’s nearly £60 for a family of five without parking and anything to eat or drink.
“It’s daylight robbery.”
Teresa Sutton added: “It's a free televised match.
“It's bad enough all food and drink is overpriced, then to charge for a free match is absolutely disgusting!
“It's not like you're covering the cost of a building as it's outside so it could be freezing cold. “What a joke.”
The backlash was prompted by Folkestone Harbour Arm advertising the event on social media.
A post read: “The wait is finally over. We can now announce that tickets for England’s first three group games will go on sale on Monday June 10 at 9am.
“Folkestone Harbour is first and foremost a family friendly destination, and there truly is no better way of taking in live sports than on a big screen with your family and loved ones.
“That’s why this year we have introduced a reduced child’s ticket for the first time.
“We can’t wait to welcome you for the sports show of the summer!”
For the Euro final in 2021, tickets cost £10 a head and were allocated via a ballot system due to huge demand.
In 2022, a table for six people to watch the men’s World Cup was £16.24 including the booking fee - working out as about £2.70 a seat.
Last summer, showings of the women’s equivalent were free to attend.
Earlier this month, KentOnline revealed all the top places to catch the matches.
Elsewhere in the county, The Crayford Arms is charging a similar - but slightly cheaper - £12.50 for a spot in the marquee.
This included live entertainment after the match, and fanatics can save £7.50 and go to all three games for £30.
Another Folkestone local who opposed the latest round of pricing is Josh Parsons, who wrote: “Everyone needs to boycott this place.”
Similarly, Mick Jones said: “The prices seem excessive to be honest.
“Given the majority of people would also eat and drink, that would be an expensive way to watch a game.
“I’m sure there will be plenty of pubs that will welcome their customers for free.”
Folkestone Harbour and Seafront Development Company - which manages the area - has been contacted for comment.
