Thousands of shoppers enjoyed a week of ‘Football Frenzy’ ahead of the World Cup at the Grosvenor Shopping Centre.
Self-taught football freestyler, Patrik Kanik, 22, wowed shoppers with his moves including crossovers and ‘hop the world’, using his feet, head, back and shoulders.
Patrik, who has been freestyling for five years, also led a number of masterclasses in which shoppers learnt a few football tricks themselves.
Ben Smith, 13, from Alun School, Mold, said: “It’s really hard but Patrik taught me and my friends some really good tricks!”
Shoppers relaxed, caught up on the latest and sports news in the shopping centre’s ‘man crèche’, and sampled a variety of tasters from local beer makers Tatton Brewery, who launched their World Cup ale Tatton Tackle.
Shopper David Blow, from Wilmslow, said: “What a nice surprise, we’ve come into Chester for a spot of shopping and got to sample some fantastic local beers. I think the blonde ale is my favourite!”
Kids and grown-ups alike also enjoyed free use of table football, courtesy of men’s fashion retailer, Jack Jones.
Grosvenor Shopping Centre manager, Julie Webb, said: “We’re really looking forward to the launch of the World Cup and Football Frenzy was the perfect way show our support and enthusiasm for it.
“Patrik’s demos and masterclasses were fantastic, I think he’s certainly inspired a few young lads to practise their football skills and made some grown men jealous as well!
“Our ‘man crèche’ went down a storm too, there was some fierce competitiveness over the table football and shoppers loved Tatton Brewery’s beer tasters.”
The shopping centre is also collating data from their interactive quiz, in which shoppers answered England versus Italy questions and taste-tested cheddar and chutney versus Italian chicken and mozzarella sandwiches, Patisserie Valerie’s scones versus Tiramisu and tea versus espresso courtesy of Costa Coffee.
Julie added: “We’re really excited to find out the results from our survey, it will be interesting to find out whether people truly favour their English roots or prefer a bit of Italian passion.”
Shoppers can still take the England versus Italy patriotism test via Grosvenor Shopping Centre’s Facebook page.
