Big Screen Swindon

Big Screen Swindon

On Friday 2nd May, 2008, Swindon joined the ranks of eight major cities across the country when the biggest TV screen in the South of England got switched on…

Yes, Wharf Green in Swindon became the first place in the South of England to get a big screen TV and the first to join the Big Screen big boys of Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Bradford, Hull, Rotherham and Derby.

But it's no ordinary telly that's been set up in front of the Brunel West Car Park in town.

For a start it's massive (35 metres square massive) and, from the beginning of May, is going to be on a lot (24 hours a day, 365 days a year a lot).

It was back in December that work began on the really big box and, five months on, it was switched-on with an appropriately super-sized TV remote control by Points West Presenter Alex Lovell:

"I think public space broadcasting is a great way to bring the local community together," says Alex, "offering entertainment, community news and sport right in the heart of the town."

The Big Switch-On

The official Big Screen switch-on, in Wharf Green, kicked-off (literally) on Friday 2nd May with an interactive penalty shoot out… when wannabe Beckhams could take on the Big Screen goalie in a virtual shoot out.

You could also pitch your skills against some of Swindon Town's top scorers both old and new.

Meanwhile, off the astroturf, legendary break dancer Banxy put the Swindon Youth Academy through their paces in a showcase of urban dance.

Banxy, most famous for his BBC TV series 'Travels with my Tutu' which saw him teaching Deborah Bull of the Royal Ballet the art of break dancing, can also be seen dancing on Boy George's first vid and on George Michael's Video 'Spinning the Wheel'.

Points West Live

Along with street entertainers, face painting, balloons, DJ Para, the Film Bus and the Fitness Bus… Points West camera crews were also be on site broadcasting from the event.

Big Screen penalty shoot-out

And, with weatherman Richard Angwin presenting his weather forecast live from Wharf Green, there wasn't just the chance of getting yourself on the Big Screen but live on Points West as well.