New drive-in movies to replace traditional outdoor cinema in Tamworth this year

Tamworth movie lovers are being invited to enjoy outdoor cinema with a difference this year, with a new drive-in event planned for the summer.

Unfortunately, the traditional annual open air cinema event in August can no longer go ahead this year due to the coronavirus pandemic and the current guidelines around gatherings and social distancing.

Everyone who had bought tickets to the August 8 screenings of The Greatest Showman and The Silence of the Lambs will be contacted by our Box Office team to arrange a refund.

But while so much has already been cancelled this year due to the pandemic, we’re delighted that we are able to offer a drive-in movie instead.

This event will be the first of its kind in Tamworth and will see the main field at the bottom of the Castle Grounds (near the skate park) being opened up to cars on August 14 and August 15.

While full plans are being finalised, Friday, August 14, will be a showing of Grease and Saturday, August 15, will be the Greatest Showman. Both movies will start at 9pm – this 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 next Thursday (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.

Cllr John Chesworth, Tamworth Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Culture and Operational Services, said: “We’ve all suffered as a result of the coronavirus pandemic in one way or another and there’s no denying these have been terrible times for the whole community.

“Arts, leisure and events completely came to a stop as we tried to stem the spread of the disease and we have had to cancel a range of shows, events and entertainment. Unfortunately this is going to continue to be the case for many events which would normally result in crowds of people coming together.

“The latest council-run event to be impacted is our summer outdoor cinema night which usually attracts hundreds of people to the Castle Grounds. Unfortunately, we have 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 instead offer a drive-in style event and the Arts & Events team are working on a detailed plan for how this can take place.

“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. Tickets will be on sale soon, so please keep an eye out on the Tamworth Arts and Events website for more information.

“Everyone who had booked tickets for the traditional outdoor cinema on August 8 will be contacted by the Box Office team as soon as possible to organise refunds. Please bear with us, if you are a ticket holder you don’t need to call in, we will contact you in the next week or two.”

For more information and tickets visit www.tamworthartsandevents.co.uk.