SUNBATHERS stretched out and soaked up the rays as they enjoyed their first taste of tennis action on the big screen.

Summer screenings began in Castle Park yesterday with viewers enjoying a live stream of the day’s Wimbledon matches.

The screen will be in place until July 15, showcasing all of the tennis action alongside food and refreshments.

Five box office smashes, including Bridget Jones’s Diary, Beauty and the Beast, The Greatest Showman, Disney’s Moana and Star Wars: The Last Jedi will be shown.

Tickets are available via the Mercury Theatre Box Office on 01206 573948, at colchester-events.co.uk/summerscreen or in person at the Hollytrees Museum Visitor Information Centre.

A licensed bar will also operate during the Wimbledon screenings.