Sheffield gears up for World Snooker Championship

Sheffield City Centre is preparing to welcome snooker fans for another year of the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre.

Snooker fans can watch the tournament on a large screen outside the Crucible, which takes place from 15 April to 1 May.

Ronnie O’Sullivan, who will be defending his world title, has opened a pop-up shop full of snooker memorabilia on Chapel Walk.

Local businesses told The Star they can’t wait for the footfall that the championship brings.

Scott Nicholson, who works at The Head of Steam, said: “Having the world championship at The Crucible is nothing short of incredible.

“As a business owner, it brings so many people every year without fail.”

Mr and Mrs Barnes, who have been attending the games for over a decade, called the championship “the lifeblood of the city.”