Chamberlain Square in Birmingham will act as an amphi-theatre for the Athens Olympics this summer with the help of the BBC's Big Screen. It will also host some of the world's biggest musical and sporting events including the Eurovision song contest and Wimbledon. Big Screen launch - BBC Music Live  Along with our move to the Mailbox - this is a further indication of our commitment to regenerating the city centre. 
| | Andy Griffee, Controller of BBC Birmingham |
The launch of the BBC Big Screen will coincide with Music Live in Northern Ireland May bank holiday weekend, with a live link up with Belfast via the big screen. The day will feature 'Irish' themed celebrations with pipers, dancers and musicians entertaining the crowds up until the start of BBC Music Live. Compered by BBC WM, the event starts at 3pm with six hours of free entertainment organised by Birmingham City Council. About the Big Screen  | The BBC Big Screen in Birmingham |
The large video screen, with a full sound system, will be on a free-standing structure at the back of the Town Hall. This proposed location is temporary, during the restoration works to the Town Hall. On completion of the work a new permanent location will be sought. | A combination of Birmingham based events and BBC content will turn the screen into a major attraction for everyone. | | Stuart Liddle, from Philips |
The BBC worked with the council and electronics company Philips to develop the screen. It will operate 24-hours a day; with sound regulated appropriately to the time of night (mute) or day. BBC Big Screen in Manchester  | | Big Screen in Manchester |
The launch of the big screen in Birmingham follows a similar Public Space Broadcasting pilot in Manchester's Exchange Square which has been successfully running for a year. Major events and broadcasts, such as the FA Cup Final, regularly attract audiences of over 5,000 with two million having seen the screen in Summer 2003. Future Big Screen events and highlights The high-tech screen will relay a mixture of live BBC television programmes, major international and local events such as, the Lord Mayor's Show, Birmingham Artsfest and Discovery Day. The screen will also carry the work of the best of Birmingham talent including young film makers, video artists and community groups. There will also be a continuous feed of local news, weather and traffic updates from BBCi. Summer 2004 highlights ... Here are just a few events coming up soon featuring Birmingham's Big Screen. Music Live (May) - with Irish themed entertainment live on stage and pictures from Belfast's Music Live. Eurovision song contest (May) - party in Chamberlain Square leading up to Eurovision. Wimbledon (June - July) - A grass lawn in Chamberlain Square with strawberries and cream and Pimms being served. Lord Mayor's Show (July) - A showcase of the Best of Birmingham's talent, with the Euro final being shown from Lisbon. Athens Olympics (August) - Greek themed events round the city. Birmingham Artsfest (September) - Films produced by local film makers, video artists and community groups will be shown on screen. Last Night of the Proms (September) - relayed live on the big screen
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Birmingham Big Screen Project - The BBC are working together with Birmingham City Council Philips and the Royal Bank of Scotland. 
