A large open-air screen will be at Rochester Castle Gardens tonight (Friday, 27 July) showing the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.

The wide screen will be free to watch and will showcase the amazing spectacle as it happens live at the Olympic stadium.

The 2012 Opening Ceremony, which is set to start at 9pm, has been coordinated by film director Danny Boyle – the man behind Slumdog Millionaire – and is set to delight billions around the world.

The Rochester Castle Gardens screening will follow the Medway Mile, which is also happening in Rochester this evening.

As it is a family event and the screening is likely to go on until past midnight, those turning up need to be aware that Rochester Castle Gardens will an alcohol free zone for the entire evening.

During the Medway Mile – which takes place at 7.30pm – thousands of people will walk, run or even skip a mile through Rochester’s historic streets.

The annual fun run was launched in 2007 to mark the five-year countdown to the games.

Registration for this year’s event is now closed due to the number that have already signed up, but family entertainment and activities will also take place in Rochester Castle Gardens from 5pm, including children’s races and an adults only competitive race.

Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Services Cllr Howard Doe said: “We are holding a special screening of the Olympic ceremony in Rochester Castle Gardens following the Medway Mile.

“This will act as a great finale to this wonderful free event, which is for people of all ages and abilities.

“If you want join in the fun and watch the opening ceremony on the open air screen, please do come along. It will be the perfect way for everyone to come together and celebrate.”