Little Copacabana

The World Cup has started and, like many of you, I have a full-blown case of World Cup fever. For the next month, my evenings are likely to be planned around who's playing who on the box. But with the UK offering up its longest and warmest days in the next few weeks, sitting indoors on the sofa isn't the best way to spend the summer.

Thankfully, as always, God's favourite city has provided and there is now a tiny slice of Rio right in the heart of Manchester. Ian Brown famously said "Manchester has everything except a beach". Well, now it does, thanks to one of the city's cultural bastions, ITV. Fever Pitch is a pop-up stadium/fan park built on the car park of the old Granada Studios, and is definitely the best place to watch the World Cup in Manchester. Working with churrascaria (Portuguese BBQ) specialists, Bem Brasil, ITV have shipped in 450 tonnes of sand, 2,00 seats and a healthy dose of World Cup fever.

Complete with Roy Hodgson sand sculpture and two big screens, there's plenty of opportunity to soak up the 'Little Copacabana' atmosphere and enjoy the football, whether it's England or one of the more likely winners. ITV have also brought in international beach soccer teams of their own to provide the entertainment between games.

For weekend or after-work socialising, it's a great alternative to the pub. Heineken on tap at £4 a pint and reasonably priced options off the grill from Bem Brasil are a great addition to a unique experience.

The atmosphere is what really makes it though. Everyone gets invested in the football and, with the chance to watch the games from down on the beach, it definitely beats lounging on the sofa. I went down to watch the holders, Spain, capitulate to Holland, and it was great to see the neutrals pick a side and stick to it (Louis Van Gaal and RVP may have had something to do with it).

There's also plenty to keep you entertained if the footy isn't up to scratch. Half-time entertainment comes courtesy of Spanish cheerleaders and samba girls direct from sunny Stockport - what more could you ask for?

Tickets (free) are generally sold out, but there is limited availability if you want to walk up on the day. And don't forget to bring your brolly, it is Manchester after all...