Millennium TV coverage at Greenwich

Home of World Time all prepared for the the Millennium

Greenwich, 19 June 1997

Preparations are well in progress to celebrate the start of the next Millennium at the official home of world time - the Royal Observatory Greenwich - in the heart of historic maritime Greenwich. The series of projects, under the banner Greenwich Meridian 2000, include a prestigious Time and Space exhibition, opportunities for national and local businesses, merchandising, celebratory New Year events for 1997 and 1998, and a huge public event on New Year's Eve 1999.

Greenwich Meridian 2000 also includes a partnership between the Observatory and leading UK production company, Initial Film and Television. Initial will produce a series of TV projects to be presented to international and UK broadcasters, including a documentary series on the history of time and space, a global television event with contributions from broadcasters worldwide, and a live music-based event on the historic Greenwich site.

Since the Millennium begins officially for the world on the at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the global focus will be on that historic building when the Millennium arrives. While the Museum supports fully the plans for a Millennium exhibition on the Greenwich peninsula site, the events at the Observatory and Museum will take place regardless of the future of the peninsula exhibition.

Since the launch of Greenwich Meridian 2000 in February this year, the interest generated from businesses, ranging from huge public companies to local operations, has been considerable. Among the initiatives is a 1,000 Days Countdown: giving companies or individuals the opportunity to purchase a day leading up to the new Millennium for a unique celebration at the home of world time. Companies will receive the use of the Observatory, including Sir Christopher Wren's magnificent Octagon Room and the Prime Meridian Line, for evening hospitality. This project will be of interest to companies with a connection to a certain date (e.g. Levis-day 501, Heinz-day 57 or anniversary of company foundation). The 1,000 Days Countdown begins on 6 April 1997, with dates available now.

Greenwich Meridian 2000 plans are spearheaded by a distinctive, new official marque, reflecting the Observatory's place at the heart of time and navigation. The marque will become the recognised symbol of authentic Royal Observatory Greenwich Millennium events and merchandise worldwide.

The Time and Space exhibition in the newly developed galleries of the National Maritime Museum, will bring together significant historical artefacts from museums around the world. Full details will be announced in the near future.