Drive-in movies at Tamworth

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Fri 14 Aug 2020 - Sat 15 Aug 2020

In true showbiz style, the show must go on! And so it has proved with the annual outdoor cinema treat for movie-lovers in Staffordshire despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Tamworth Borough Council has been forced to cancel its annual outdoor cinema experience, which involved film fans sitting in the open-air grounds of Tamworth Castle and watching their favourite movies on a giant screen. But, in keeping with the spirit of one of the films to be shown next month, the local authority's arts and events team has announced that it is to replace its traditional outdoor cinema with the town's first ever drive-in movie. And, as a special treat, film fans will be able to see The Greatest Showman, which tells the story of show-business legend P T Barnum, as well as the ever-popular musical classic, Grease.



The original Tamworth Outdoor Cinema 2020 had been due to take place in the Castle Grounds on Saturday 8 August with screenings of The Greatest Showman and the late night offering of The Silence of the Lambs. Everyone who bought tickets to the August 8 screenings will be contacted by the local authority's box office team to arrange a refund. But, while the coronavirus pandemic put paid to the open air cinema due to concerns over social distancing, Tamworth is able to offer a drive-in movie instead - the first of its kind in the town. This will now be held on the main field at the bottom of the Castle Grounds which will be specially opened up to cars on Friday 14 August and Saturday 15 August. Fortunately, for lovers of The Greatest Showman, which starred Hugh Jackman as Barnum, it is still being shown as one of the two drive-in movies. The Greatest Showman can be seen on August 15, with Grease being shown on August 14, although full details are still being finalised.



Both films will start at 9pm, which is to allow the sun to set enough for the screen to be visible. The events will also be weather permitting. Tickets are due to go on sale on July 9, to be priced at £30 per car, with space for 100 cars each evening. As both movies are a PG, and audiences will be watching from within their vehicles, children are also invited to attend with adults. Councillor John Chesworth, Tamworth Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Culture and Operational Services, said many events had come to a stop during the virus outbreak, including the annual outdoor cinema. "Unfortunately, we've had to cancel this year's event as there's no way we can hold it while social distancing is in place. We're delighted, however, that in this case the guidelines do allow us to offer a drive-in style event instead. We know it's only a small step in comparison to everything we've lost where arts and entertainment is concerned, but at least this is one event we can offer to families in the meantime."

#castles
#cinema
#musicals
#outdoor
#august
!date 14/08/2020 -- 15/08/2020
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