Giant screen set to return to Brighton seafront after Olympics (From The Argus)

Giant screen set to return to Brighton seafront after Olympics

10:45am Sunday 6th January 2013 in News By Tim Ridgway, Local government reporter

Giant screen set to return to Brighton seafront after Olympics

A free big screen on Brighton’s seafront showing sporting triumphs is set to return for 2013.

Tens of thousands of people watched Team GB’s Olympic success on the giant LED television last summer.

Buoyed by the success, organisers want to bring the largest free outdoor cinema on the south coast back to the city’s seafront for the summer.

They hope to show a mixture of live sporting events, such as Formula One and The Ashes, as well as family films.

Bill Murray, of Hove-based Murray Media, which is behind the plans, said: “We are excited by the prospect of it but it has to follow the procedure in place.

“We have our fingers crossed that the council gives it approval.”

In August, the screen was positioned in a gated area at the Old Paddling Pool site on the promenade near Brighton’s West pier.

The public area held up to 3,500 people and offered a grandstand view of the Olympics with family films in the evening.

However, due to the construction of the i360 observation tower, which is due to start in spring, organisers have had to find a new site.

They hope to move it to near the Brighton Wheel in Madeira Drive, Brighton, and operate from July 31 to August 26.

It will remain a fenced-off area with a fully licensed bar and small food outlets.

Among the sporting events it is hoped the World Athletics Championships, Formula One and men’s and women’s cricket can be shown.

Permission is due to be granted by Brighton and Hove City Council’s economic development and culture committee on Thursday.

Speaking about the new site, Mr Murray said: “We would be delighted. We think it would add real colour to that particular area.”

Geoffrey Bowden, chairman of the council’s economic development and culture committee, said: “I think it was a huge success during the Olympics and I’m absolutely delighted that they want it back this year. I gather it will continue to be on the beach.

“It’s a really welcome addition to that stretch of the seafront.”