World Cup fun at OK Karaoke in Leeds
Yorkshire’s only dedicated karaoke bar, OK Karaoke, is hiring out its private singing booths as exclusive match-day viewing rooms for this summer’s World Cup tournament.
The Leeds bar – which will allow singing during half-time and after full-time – is making the unusual step following requests from regulars who do not want to miss out on playing popstars during this summer’s four-week festival of football.
Steve Hawkins, MD of OK Karaoke, said: “I was a little surprised at first when we had a few of our regulars asking if we would be showing the football in our private pods. But I guess it’s not unusual, given the fact that England’s first two matches kick off at 8.30 on a Saturday and then a Friday night – our two busiest times of the week.
“I think the country will be World Cup crazy come June and bars in the region are going to be rammed, especially during England games, so it makes sense to watch the match in the comfort of your own private booth.
“We’ve already taken private bookings for parties of between 18 and 40 people and not just during the England games – the opening Friday night we’ve got one private party booked in from the first match at 4 o’clock right through to the second which finishes at 10.”
The world cup starts at 4pm on Friday 11 June with hosts South Africa facing Mexico at Johannesburg’s Soccer City Stadium. The final takes place on Sunday July 11. England’s three qualifying matches are:
1. 8.30pm Saturday 12 June – England v USA
2. 8.30pm Friday 18 June – England v Algeria
3. 4pm Wednesday 23 June – England v Slovenia
To book one of OK Karaoke’s eight private booths for a World Cup match, visit okkaraoke.co.uk.
OK Karaoke’s prediction for its top ten football-related songs this World Cup:
Three Lions – The Lightning Seeds, with Baddiel & Skinner
We are the Champions – Queen
Vindaloo – Fat Les
World in Motion – England & New Order
Hey Baby (Ohh-ahh) – DJ Ötzi
Tubthumping – Chumbawamba
World at your Feet – Embrace
All Together Now – The Farm
Eat My Goal – Collapsed Lung
Theme from The Great Escape
