COLCHESTER’S big screen has been switched on for the summer.

Tennis fans are settling down on Serena Slope, aka Upper Castle Park, to enjoy two weeks of free tennis viewing and four films.

Colchester Council has spent £25,000 on the screen.

It is fair to say the first day of the screen was a quiet affair, with a smattering of park users stopping to watch the first round of Wimbledon matches.

It will get much busier in the second week of the tournament, and the films are likely to be sell-outs.

Andrew Wales, of Illuminate Design, helped to put up the screen, working with council events manager Will Jenkins.

He said: “We have been here since 7am, it’s the same size screen as last year, but it’s higher up and far better sound.”

“It’s designed for outdoor use so it’s rainproof and safe in winds up to 28 metres per second.”

Linda Marsden was visiting the park with husband Brian and grandson Austin North, three. She said: “We live in Burnley and came to see our daughter, who is married to a soldier in Colchester.

“She told us about the screen and when we heard Wimbledon was on in the park, we thought it was the perfect place to take Austin.

“It’s great when special things like this are done and we are big fans.”

Paul Morrison, 61, from Colchester, returned after watching the tennis at the park last year. He said: “This is a great idea. I’m impressed with how it has been organised. It makes a change from the football.”

Tennis will be available today to Thursday until 8.30pm or close of play.

On Friday, it will finish early at 5pm before The Rocky Horror Picture Show, for over 14s, from 7pm.

Play will be suspended on Saturday and Sunday while films including Beauty and the Beast, Grease, Finding Nemo and Star Wars The Force Awakens are shown.

Tennis will return from Monday, July 4, to Sunday, July 10, between 11am and 8.30pm.

Tickets for the films are available at colchester.gov.uk/summerscreen or in person at the Visit Colchester Information Centre, Hollytrees Museum, Castle Park, Colchester.

Tim Young, councillor responsible for culture, said: “We want residents and visitors to get involved, support the event and attract more visitors to Colchester.”

Annie Feltham, councillor responsible for leisure, said: “This is a great community event for tennis and movie-lovers alike, bringing people together in the beautiful surroundings of Castle Park.

“I’m looking forward to seeing everyone’s pictures and fancy dress costumes.”