Lights, cameras, crew and performers are all ready to bounce into action again next year when filming for the children's comedy television programme, “Football Fantastics”, returns to Bishop Monkton Village Hall and Playing Fields. The village is pleased to welcome them back.

Contracts have recently been signed between Strike Productions, on behalf of CBeebies, and the Village Hall for the filming of the next two series of the show that features a chaotic bunch of youngsters brought together by their weekend football group, not to mention the adults who go along to support them. Series Two will commence filming on February 23rd finishing on April 24th, while shooting for Series Three will take place between June 29th & August 25th.

The filming of the first successful 10 episodes earlier this year was well supported by villagers who gave a true Yorkshire welcome to the team. Village Hall funds also received a substantial monetary boost and next year will be no different with an increased fee of approximately £50k having been agreed.

Chair of the Village Hall Committee, Phil Goodier says “Exciting plans are being developed to look at how to use the funding, which could include a contribution towards both outdoor cricket nets and the provision of indoor bowls. Both of these would require external funding, but the filming fee could certainly make a significant contribution towards both initiatives”.

The funding will also be spent on agreed priority projects, including the perimeter path, currently awaiting planning permission, and an outside toilet. Village Hall facilities have already recently been enhanced by the purchase of a new lawnmower for use in the winter by the croquet club and a large flat screen display for meetings in the lounge.

Village businesses will see a benefit, as accommodation at the pub and local bed and breakfast establishments is expected to be in demand, while the car park at the Masons' Arms will also be utilised for parking by the Strike team.

Arrangements are well underway to adjustments that will have to be made to allow for filming requirements. The filming of Series Two will be easier to manage as it falls, in the main, outside the summer sports seasons. Series Three, however, will be prove more of a challenge in terms of outdoor events.

Learning from minor hiccups last year, the Village Hall has negotiated within the terms of the contract that:

1. There will be a curfew on filming from 4pm on Fridays to prevent a clash with junior cricket

2. There will be no planned filming on any weekends in 2026.

3. As the lounge will be out of action for the filming of Series Three, a small marquee will be provided for bowls and croquet match teas by the production company, who will also provide tea and coffee.

4. The Village Hall will provide some temporary parking during Series Three for bowls and croquet players.

As last year, table tennis will temporarily locate to Markington Village Hall while other regularly booked events will move to the Methodist Chapel & Schoolroom.

All in all, therefore, it is good to see 'Football Fantastics' heading back our way.