HEARN HAILS BLITZ SPIRIT da rts

THE party’s on and the soundtrack

to Christmas has been saved – but fancy dress is banned at Ally Pally.

PDC chiefs have struck a deal to admit up to 1,000 fans for each World Championship session later this month.

But those spectators who normally turn a north London hilltop into a catwalk for Smurfs, Thunderbirds and traffic cones cannot wear fancy dress.

Tickets go on general sale tomorrow to watch defending champion Peter ‘ Snakebite’ Wright – the only person permitted to wear outlandish costumes – and will be limited to tables of four from the same household or support bubble.

PDC chairman Barry Hearn, below, who has recovered from a close encounter er with Covid- 19, said: : “It may not be exactly as we remember it, but December 15 will be the start of sport’s advent calendar.

“You know Christmas is here when you hear the thud of darts hitting the board at Alexandra Palace, and we are delighted fans will be admitted for the first time since March.

“For one year only we are asking spectators not to turn up in fancy dress – on the basis most costumes are hired and don’t belong to the people wearing them – but Christmas jumpers are fine.

“There has been no reduction in prize money and we’ve sent out a very British, stiff- upper- lip message to the world like during the Blitz: The show must go on. Why? Because we can.”

Only fans who live in Tiers One and Two will be eligible to buy tickets, with tables of four costing from £ 160 in the first round to £ 280 for the final.

Food and drink will be served at the tables and ordered through a dedicated app. Ticket holders must also arrive at specified times via designated entrances.