There will be a 7,000 fan capacity for the civic centre event

BBC Wales has teamed up with Cardiff City Council and South Wales Police to host a family friendly event in the city's civic centre.

A big screen will capture all the action of Saturday's game, along with the other six nations matches.

Free admission will be on a on a first-come first served basis.

"The big screen offers people the chance to combine live BBC Six Nations coverage with what is sure to be an electric city centre atmosphere," promised BBC Wales Head of Sport Nigel Walker.

We want to make sure as many people as possible will have a chance to see Wales take on France Cllr Nigel Howells

"Fans will be able to enjoy all the close-up action from the game alongside expert commentary and analysis while still being close enough to the Millennium Stadium to hear the roar of the crowd."

Thousands of fans made it into the city's civic centre around King Edward VII Avenue in 2005 for Wales' last Grand Slam triumph.

This time the event will be open to around 7,000 people.

Visitors are being urged not to bring alcohol to the event, although bars will be open on the site.

Cardiff councillor Nigel Howells, who holds the culture, leisure and sport portfolios on the executive, added: "There is always a fantastic atmosphere in Cardiff on match day.

"We want to make sure as many people as possible will have a chance to see Wales take on France in the crunch match of this year's tournament in a family friendly environment."

Carnival atmosphere

The day will be a big test for South Wales Police, as tens of thousands of fans also descend on the city heading for the Millennium Stadium match.

But Chief Superintendent Josh Jones from South Wales Police welcomed the addition of the city centre big screen.

"Cardiff will be a fantastic place to be on Saturday," he remarked.

"This big screen event will be well staffed with police and stewards and after the 7,000 allocation is filled people will be turned away.

"Our advice is to leave plenty of time to get into the city, to take basic safety precautions, such as securing your vehicle and personal possessions and finally to enjoy the carnival atmosphere of Cardiff on a match day."

The big screen event is just one in a series of BBC Wales special programmes to mark the crunch game:

• Thursday, March 13: BBC 2W 2130 GMT - a look back at the 2005 Grand Slam
• Friday, March 14: BBC 2W 2100 GMT - classic 70s comedy Grand Slam
• Saturday, March 15: Full match coverage on BBC One Wales from 1650 GMT
• Sunday, March 16: BBC One Wales 2220 GMT - Scrum V Six Nations special
• Wednesday, March 19: BBC One Wales 1930 GMT - Six Nations Uncovered, the campaign through the eyes of Warren Gatland, Shaun Edwards and new captain Ryan Jones