A special edition of the 1966 FIFA World Cup Final In Colour

England’s historic 1966 World Cup victory to raise awareness of dementia

Sixty years since England soared to World Cup glory, Channel 4 is to relive one of the world’s most famous football matches, showing the match in full and in colour.  

Broadcast by Channel 4, in partnership with SunLife, this broadcast of England’s historic 4-2 victory over West Germany at Wembley Stadium on 30 July, 1966 will raise awareness of dementia and Alzheimer’s Society, supporting people living with dementia and their families.

Contributions from Alzheimer's Society Ambassadors

Alzheimer’s Society Ambassadors feature in the show with comedian David Baddiel introducing the broadcast, and Sir Geoff Hurst, England’s hat-trick hero on that famous day in ‘66, reflecting on the match and remembering his teammates who developed dementia. Contributions also come from current and former England stars including men’s captain, Harry Kane.

Sir Geoff Hurst meets one of our England International mascots

The show also features a heart-warming meeting between Sir Geoff Hurst and Adron O’Connor. Adron was one of the mascots during the England International at Wembley last year and was at the 1966 World Cup Final. Adron can no longer remember the final or being at the game that famous day in 1966 but still has his match ticket, programme and lots more memorabilia.

Michelle Dyson CB, CEO of Alzheimer’s Society, said:

We are so grateful to be part of this collaboration, which will allow people to experience the historic 1966 World Cup final in full colour, while also raising vital funds for Alzheimer’s Society.

'It’s heart-breaking that many former players - and indeed fans - of the legendary 1966 World Cup team have been affected by dementia. Their stories are a powerful reminder of why we must keep raising awareness and the funds needed to support people living with this devastating condition today while also working towards a better future.'

Reliving England's victory

The six-goal thriller, complete with extra time, a controversial goal, crowds on the pitch and Queen Elizabeth II presenting England captain Bobby Moore with the golden Jules Rimet trophy will broadcast in full colour, with on-screen calls-to-action at intervals to encourage viewers to donate, with 100% of donations going to Alzheimer’s Society. 

The 1966 FIFA World Cup Final In Colour was commissioned for Channel 4 by Joe Blake-Turner, Commissioning Editor, Sport. The broadcast is produced by Whisper and Final Replay.

Joe Blake Turner, Commissioning Editor for Channel 4 Sport, said:

'As we approach a World Cup summer, there’s no better time to relive England’s one and only victory with this special broadcast that will also raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s Society.

It’s a privilege to feature some of the charity’s ambassadors Sir Geoff Hurst and David Baddiel for such an important cause.

Anton Sensky, producer and director for Whisper, said:

'This was a deeply personal mission. As primary carer for my mother, it was both emotional and cathartic to share this journey with David Baddiel, Sir Geoff Hurst and the Alzheimer’s Society. At Whisper, we tell stories that truly matter, and it was a privilege to partner with Channel 4 on such an important and historic project.'

Tune in to Channel 4 at 4.45pm on Saturday, 6 June to support Alzheimer’s Society and see if England can achieve World Cup glory (spoiler, they can!)