Forum unveils Europe's biggest TV

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The aim of the Fusion project is to nurture and showcase local talent

Europe's biggest public screen has been unveiled in Norwich in a partnership which includes the BBC and aims to nurture and showcase local talent.

Fusion, based at the Forum, is 24m by 2.5m (78.7ft by 8.2ft), and is playing film, image and sound made by people from around the region.

It is part of a free project run by The Forum Trust, City College Norwich and BBC East.

People can also visit and use an open BBC studio to create work.

BBC Voices and BBC Open Studio will give people the chance to make use of professional expertise and attend creative workshops free.

Our aim is to use the skills and expertise of the BBC to help other people tell their stories Tim Bishop, BBC East

Courses include learning to make short films, producing radio or getting involved with BBC Norfolk Introducing - the radio programme aiming to transmit the best new music emerging from the county.

Those taking part in open studios or signing up to a course could then see their work broadcast in the digital screen gallery.

The partnership is aimed at providing free access to new technology to all.

Tim Bishop, head of BBC East, said: "Our aim is to use the skills and expertise of the BBC to help other people tell their stories, create some powerful learning opportunities and give a chance for people to tell their unique story in their way.

'Unique dimension'

"We've run a wide a variety of pioneering projects with schools, individuals and groups and now want to expand that work into new areas building on the experience we've been developing in Voices."

Robin Hall, chief executive officer of The Forum Trust, said: "The new facilities support The trust's passionate belief that The Forum should continue to inspire and excite.

"By working with BBC East and City College, who have enriched the enterprise with their skills, resources and expertise, we have succeeded in bringing a fresh and truly unique dimension to The Forum."

The new additions to the Forum were launched on Monday and will be open on Tuesday.