Almost 500 of the world's most influential programme buyers are expected to arrive in Brighton this weekend.

BBC Showcase, the world's largest television programme market hosted by a single broadcaster, will be held at the Brighton Centre.

Some 480 delegates have booked places - an increase of ten per cent on last year and a boost for the BBC, which is still reeling from the findings of the Hutton Inquiry.

It is a record attendance for the event, which is likely to generate sales of about £50 million for BBC Worldwide.

Representatives from more than 100 broadcasters in 80 countries will be at the four-day event, which will boast a number of celebrity guests.

To start proceedings on Sunday evening, Sir David Attenborough and Michael Palin will take part in a "chat show" interview with Michael Aspel.

More than 600 hours of programming will be unveiled at the market, across the BBC's drama, entertainment, comedy, children's factual and music genres.

Programmes up for sale include Hustle, Legend Of The Tamworth Two, Nighty Night, Shoebox Zoo, D-Day and Walking With Spacemen.

Programmes can be sold for thousand of pounds, depending on production costs and the number of episodes.

Buyers from as far afield as Australia, the USa, Japan, Singapore, Chile, Thailand, India, Eastern Europe and South Africa will be there.

Builders have spent the past week transforming the Brighton Centre by building studios and a separate floor at the 2,000sqm venue.

Rupert Gavin, BBC Worldwide chief executive, said: "This year's record attendance figures illustrates the continued support of our broadcasting partners around the world, the magnitude of the BBC brand and the importance the market has in the international calender."

Brighton Centre marketing manager Wendy Walton said: "We are very pleased the BBC continues to hold its showcase event here.

"It is a very prestigious occassion and we hope to continue our partnership for many more years to come."

Wednesday February 18, 2004