A big screen is set to return to Colchester’s Castle Park this summer showing live coverage of Wimbledon and a series of films.

Colchester Borough Council has announced the return of the popular attraction, with an expanded movie programme, following the success of last year’s scheme which saw thousands of people attend.

The feature will begin on Monday June 27 and continue through to the men’s singles final of Wimbledon on Saturday July 10.

Visitors are able to take a picnic and enjoy the tennis for free, with refreshments also available from the Cafe in the Park and stalls next to the screen.

The tennis screening will finish early on Friday July 1 for the start of Pictures in the Park, with a film showing that evening.

There will also be no tennis on the following Saturday and Sunday (July 2-3), which instead will feature two films on ‘Singalong Saturday’ and a further two movies on the Sunday.

The titles and ticket details will be announced in the spring, but the programme will feature a mix of popular classics, cult favourites, family-friendly films and highly-anticipated new movies.

There will also be a People’s Choice, where the public can vote for their favourite family singalong film from a shortlist. The winner will be shown as the first of the two films on Saturday afternoon, and followed by another popular musical feature in the evening.

Annie Feltham, borough councillor for communities and leisure, said: “I’m thrilled we’re bringing the Summer Screen back.

“Castle Park is one of the most popular and widely-adored locations in Colchester and the addition of the screen really intensified the buzz about the park in June and July last year.

“Watching the tennis is transformed into such a fantastic community event by the Summer Screen. We’re all hoping our British tennis stars can go all the way.

“I would love to see thousands of people gathering in Castle Park to cheer them on during finals weekend, and perhaps inspiring the next generation of tennis pros.”

Tim Young, borough councillor for culture, added: “Last year the Summer Screen brought sport, culture, nature and community together in a beautiful and hugely popular way, emphasising some of our greatest assets and providing something the town had never seen before.

“The experience of watching a much-loved film with thousands of other people in such an atmospheric setting is tough to beat. The support and feedback we received was overwhelming, after the success of last year it was crucial that we brought it back again for 2016.”

Businesses who want to support the attraction through advertising, sponsorship, or by bringing a pop-up food and drink stall should contact communications@colchester.gov.uk.