Work is now under way on installing the giant screen in Newcastle that heralds the return of the annual summer treat Screen on the Green.
First signs of the screen in Old Eldon Square were seen on Thursday as details of its upcoming free programme of films and sports were announced. And it will be fingers crossed that the current good weather will continue as the action gets underway on June 27.
The programme for Screen on the Green, which is part of NE1 Ltd's summer in the city programme, will start just in time for the Women’s European Championship, with international sport - beginning with Wimbledon - leading the way ahead of the film schedule. And with England’s women being second favourite to win the football tournament, which will be staged on home soil, the event is set to attract big audiences.
Read more: Retro arcade bar to open in Newcastle
Once the screen is complete in the square - which has hosted the summer film programme since 2016 - deckchairs, bean bags and other seating will be laid out in readiness for viewers who will be able to bag a spot on a first-come, first-served basis for what will be daily showings. Following the sporting debut, the film programme will run for six weeks over the summer holidays with plenty of family favourites added to the bill.
The Newcastle film programme has yet to be revealed but here are the highlights of the sports programme.
Screen on the Green sport programme
Wimbledon - live action will be broadcast of the tennis championship which runs from June 27 until July 10
Silverstone Grand Prix - July 3
Tour de France - July 1-24
Women’s Euros - there will be screenings of all England and Northern Ireland’s games from July 6-31
England’s group match screenings
Wednesday, July 6 - England vs Austria, 8pm
Monday, July 11 - England vs Norway, 8pm
Friday, July 15 - Northern Ireland vs England, 8pm
We've launched our Newcastle Loves awards again - nominate your favourite city venues
Northern Ireland’s group matches
Thursday, July 7 - Norway v Northern Ireland, 8pm
Monday, July 11 - Austria v Northern Ireland, 5pm
Friday, July 15 - Northern Ireland v England, 8pm
If England come out top of their group they will face a quarter-final match on Wednesday, July 20, with a semi-final to follow on July 26, and the final on July 31.
Film screenings
On Monday, July 25, the summer film screenings will start with a programme of children's movies, family favourites, critically-acclaimed dramas and new blockbuster releases. There also will be musicals, cinema classics and themed days and weekends.
A total of 84 films will be shown, with two movies per day until Sunday, September 4. NE1’s team of Street Rangers will monitor and patrol Old Eldon Square during the events and the business improvement district company also says that it will be working closely with police and the council to increase the patrols around the area to ensure families can enjoy the screenings without the risk of any anti-social behaviour. Keep an eye out here for news of the film programme when it is unveiled.
Ben Whitfield, director of communications at NE1, said: “We are delighted to be launching Screen on the Green with an exciting programme of sporting fixtures for people to enjoy, for free, in the heart of the city before the summer movie schedule gets underway in the school holidays. We can’t wait to get behind England’s Lionesses as they battle it out to, hopefully, win the championships and we can’t wait to watch the stars play at Wimbledon, with the British Grand Prix and Tour De France both also set to be broadcast on the big screen."
He said Screen on the Green is a favourite with all ages and added: "We love animating the city with fun, free activities during the summer holidays, giving people more reasons to plan their visit to the city centre and to stay longer when they are here, enjoying all that the city has to offer. Let’s hope the sun stays out!” For more about NE1 events see here.
Read Next
- Plate Day and the rail strikes - travel tips for Saturday
- Kenny Atkinson's new Newcastle restaurant reveals £140 tasting menu
- New film to be made in Newcastle about Muhammad Ali's Tyneside visit
Rock N Roll Circus hints at Newcastle return after Noel Gallagher headlines new festival
See inside Bake Eldon as new Lebanese restaurant opens in Newcastle's Eldon Square
