ROYAL Opera House’s production of Romeo and Juliet is to be screened live in the park at Walton Hall and Gardens – and it is free to attend.

Warrington is one of 24 locations chosen for the ‘Big Screens’ event taking place across the country.

Live from the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, Kenneth MacMillan’s celebrated ballet Romeo and Juliet depicts the love and heart-break endured by literature’s most renowned couple.

Visitors to Walton are invited to bring a picnic and watch Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers with the hall as the perfect backdrop on Tuesday, June 11.

There will also be a bar and hot food and snacks will be available on the night as well as deckchair hire.

Alex Beard, chief executive of the Royal Opera House, said: “The BP Big Screens are a much-loved highlight of the summer calendar across the UK, and I am delighted that we once again beam the best the Royal Opera House has to offer to an ever-wider audience.

“Over the years, our collaboration with BP has enabled more than half a million people to experience ballet and opera – many for the first time – and together we bring this summer highlight to people all over the UK.”

Des Violaris, director of arts and culture at BP, added: “Each summer we look forward to the BP Big Screens and taking free culture to people all over the country.

“This year we screen live world-class opera and ballet from Aberdeen to the Isle of Wight and build on more than 30 years of partnership work between BP and the Royal Opera House.”

The first Royal Opera House Big Screens event was in 1987.

In 2018, 41,500 people saw a free opera or ballet performance at one of 40 screenings in 20 different locations.

Royal Opera House’s Romeo and Juliet will be screened at Walton Hall on June 11. Free tickets can be reserved by visiting warrington.gov.uk/info/201357/walton_hall_and_gardens_events