Public screenings for Edinburgh TV fest

The Edinburgh TV Festival will open itself up to the public this year with screenings of some of the hottest new TV shows.

The screenings - traditionally broadcast to delegates as part of the Festival - will be simulcast on a giant screen in Conference Square, directly behind the International Conference Centre in the Scottish capital.

The free previews will give the public the opportunity to watch new US series up to six months before they premiere in the UK and, in some cases, ahead of their broadcast premiere in the US.

The lineup includes Lovespring International, a new comedy from Will & Grace star Eric McCormack (to air on Sky One); Aaron Sorkin's drama Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip (Channel 4); legal drama Shark (Five) and a new episode of BBC One's Planet Earth.

Sky is responsible for installing the screen and creating a "fully interactive experience", which will also include activities, refreshments and celebrity guests.

The Festival will be held August 25-27.