News: Brighton & Hove City Council leader Jason Kitcat on the return of the Big Screen

Last year’s Brighton Big Screen was a roaring success. The grand launch on the seafront attracted enormous crowds. From the Olympics opening ceremony onwards, it continued to be a hugely popular new attraction with residents and visitors alike throughout the summer. As well as the Olympics, there was also a wide selection of movies and other events for all to enjoy.

In 2012 it was the largest free, outdoor cinema on the south coast here. And this year it’s back and better than before – now the biggest free outdoor screen in the northern hemisphere! Now a 40sqm screen, it will sit on the city centre seafront near the Brighton Pier and the Brighton Wheel. Throughout August, the screen will show events ranging from the recent Les Misérables film to the World Athletic Championships.

Just like last year, entry to all screenings is free for everyone – but there is limited space and it’s proved very popular, so you’ll have to arrive early to guarantee a good spot. This year, the organisers have also set up a ‘grandstand’ that you can buy ‘VIP tickets’ for, if you want to guarantee the best viewing experience and a free cone of popcorn.

Sponsored and set up by local businesses, the screen adds something new to our seafront. It’ll be a great opportunity to take advantage of the summer weather when it finally gets here. With the only bigger free outdoor screen being in Sydney, once again a local initiative is putting Brighton on the map.

The full programme runs from Tuesday 30 July – Monday 26 August 2013 and will include around 84 films, 20 sporting events, and 56 documentaries and short films. More information can be found on the Brighton Big
Screen website, www.brightonsbigscreen.com