LIVERPOOL One’s big screen is set for a splendid summer of sport and culture.

The shopping complex’s big screen, in Chavasse Park, will be showing horse racing, opera, tennis and rowing to shoppers over the next few months.

Viewers can enjoy all the action from the comfort of specially-provided deckchairs.

Organisers said the only thing not guaranteed was the sunshine.

The first item on the bill will transport viewers from Merseyside to the Italian city of Rome in the year 1800.

On June 13, at 7pm, Puccini’s passionate and brutal opera, Tosca, will be shown.

The broadcast, live from Valencia, in Spain, is part of Viva Europa 2011, an initiative to help promote a European feeling of community through cultural events.

More than 55 cities across the continent will be holding screenings.

The following day, on June 14, Royal Ascot begins and visitors to Chavasse Park can enjoy a day at the races at one of the world’s most famous horse racing meetings without having to leave the city. On June 19, watersports fans are in for a treat with live coverage of the Rowing World Cup, from Hamburg, in Germany.

And between June 20 and July 3, the city will be able to rival Henman Hill with crowds gathering to watch the tennis from Wimbledon on the big screen, including the all-important finals.

Donna Howitt , marketing director at Liverpool One, said: “Summer is finally here and the giant screen is a great way for our shoppers to enhance their visit.

“Following the fantastic atmosphere created on Chavasse Park when we screened the Royal Wedding in April, which was a great family day out, we are really looking forward to a schedule packed with lots of must-see events for people to enjoy.

“There is something for everyone, from opera to Royal Ascot, and we are encouraging people to round up friends and family, pack a picnic and a blanket and head to Chavasse Park to take advantage of the free big screen entertainment.”