Nick Hughes in Central Park, where the screen will show the opening ceremony

Barking and Dagenham residents will be able to watch the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games on a massive screen, thanks to funding from a group of churches.

The spectacular ceremony, which takes place on the evening of July 27, will be shown on a mobile 46-square metre screen erected in Central Park, Dagenham.

Before the broadcast, families can also enjoy a host of music, dance, and sports displays performed by people from the local area, plus face painting, bouncy castles and refreshments.

The free event, called Festival Central, has been organised and funded by a group of churches in the borough and is the brainchild of Nick Hughes, associate minister of Bethel Church, in Parsloes Avenue, Dagenham.

Nick told the Post: “I felt it would be a shame if a once in a life time event like the opening ceremony happened so close to us and just came and went without making the most of it.

“By showing it on a big screen in the park not only can people get a better feel of the event it’s also a great way of getting the community together. I’ve been told that thousands could turn up. I think the atmosphere is going to be fantastic.”

Festival Central, which is open to all, starts at 4pm. For more information go to festivalcentral.org