Page 5 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • May 2008 5
Big Screen will be a window on the world and a mirror for Swindon

Friday 2 May sees Wharf Green, Swindon become the official host of the first permanent BBC Big Screen in the South West of England.
Throughout the day local films game playing and live relays of
will be screened and a penalty sport and culture will transform
shoot-out takes place from 2pm, the newly refurbished square into
followed by urban dance from 4pm a major civic arena.”
to 5pm. At 6.30pm Alex Lovell from However he added that the po-
BBC Points West will start a count lice will have a say on whether big
down and officially launch an event sporting occasions can go ahead
for all the family, with a live broad- when public order issues have to
cast, street dancing and interactive be considered.
games into the evening. The Wharf Green development
BBC producer Erik Burnett- forms only part of the extensive
Godfree is looking forward to pro- plans to transform Swindon town
gramming the Big Screen to reflect centre into an appealing and excit-
what’s going on in the town and en- ing business and leisure district
couraging people to look outwards. for residents and visitors alike.
“The Big Screen in Wharf Green is Regeneration in Swindon is be-
a window on the world, a mirror to ing co-ordinated by The New
Swindon and a showcase for talent. Erik Burnett-Godfree, in front of the Big Screen at Wharf Green Swindon Company on behalf of
It will broadcast the best of BBC TV, Swindon Borough Council and the
showing the progress of the Olympic flame through London in early April
screen the work of independent South West Regional Development
filmmakers and cover local news company, on public space events sociation with Swindon Borough Agency.
and events round the clock. which will be organised in as- Council. Open air performances, Coun Phil Young, Swindon
“In the past we have tended to Council’s cabinet member for eco-
withdraw into our living rooms to What’s in store for 2008 nomic development, regeneration
consume television. The Big Screen 5 May For those who couldn’t make the 5.30am launch of the and development, said, “it’s great
aims to bring people together to Swindon Festival of Literature, relive it at 12.30pm to see work coming along so well at
enjoy and participate. There will 28 - 30 May BBC Blast, Creative Workshop Bus Wharf Green and it’s thrilling to see
be tremendous interactive oppor- 1 June The Royal Ballet perform Romeo and Juliet (3pm, take a the regeneration of the town centre
tunities; the camera on the screen picnic and enjoy one of the most famous ballets) gathering some momentum.
can pick up the crowd and it will 5 - 6 July Wimbledon Finals Weekend “Big Screen Swindon will be
be possible to transmit Bluetooth 18 July First Night of the Proms something special for the people
signals from your mobile to the 8 - 24 August Olympics from China who live near and visit the town
screen. 6 September Last Night of the Proms centre. I hope it will provide the
“We are working with inSwin- 2 November BBC Children in Need local community with an outdoor
don, the town centre management More details of programming will be found via: www.swindonlink.com space they can use and enjoy.”

1 - 21 May 08.indd 5 18/4/08 09:43:09