CONTROL of the Big Screen in Wharf Green is to be handed over by the BBC.

As of next month the screen will come under the independent control of the inSwindon Business Improvement District  company, as the BBC gives up control.

The big screen is currently run by the BBC, along with a network of screens nationwide, and this gives the local authority very little say over programming and scheduling, but this is about to change.

From September 13, the BBC will pass over the running of screens nationwide to their respective Business Improvement District  companies. As the BID company for Swindon, inSwindon will take control of content and scheduling.

They are looking for locally produced content and are also able to offer opportunities for businesses looking to use the screen for commercial purposes and feel that it is an excellent opportunity for local artists, producers, and businesses to capitalise on a resource that can reach large volumes of people daily.

Live TV will also be shown and inSwindon is also looking to screen major films and sporting events. The big screen in Swindon was originally installed in order to broadcast the London Olympics last summer and since then several successful events have taken place. 

Recent events have included the Last Night of the Proms, when more than 400 people filled Wharf Green and Wimbledon, where children were able to receive tennis coaching whilst the tournament was shown.