News
Big Screen Swindon - World Cup
Thu 27th May 2010
'Forward Swindon, working with partners the BBC, Swindon Borough Council, inSwindon and the Police, have been looking over the last few months at options for screening the England World Cup Football matches that will take place during June.
Unfortunately we have come to the decision that we are not able to show the matches, due to the potential security risk to people attending the events and to shoppers and visitors to the town centre, particularly during the Wednesday mid-afternoon match. Additionally, many necessary restrictions had to be placed on the proposed events to ensure they passed off without incident. This meant that numbers would be limited to 500, no alcohol or liquid would be allowed in the event area, and no more than two tickets per person or group would be allowed. The ticketing would be controlled through a web-based booking process. With this in mind we felt that the events would not be very attractive or welcoming, and attendance would potentially be low, particularly as so many venues around the town would be screening the matches anyway. So far only two other screen locations have confirmed that they will be screening the matches - major restrictions will apply at these, and it is important to note that both the venues are not right in the heart of the town and cities thus control is much easier.
The council, the BBC and partners are striving to build a programme of events around the screen and Wharf Green, in particular ROH Carmen, Proms and Armed Forces Week - more information can be found at www.bigscreenswindon.co.uk.'