Cinema returns to Northern Ireland with huge drive-in event over two days

Around 10,000 people are expected to enjoy a return to the cinema this weekend when a series of classic films are broadcast outdoors against the backdrop of the iconic Harland and Wolff cranes.
By Graeme Cousins
Published 10th Jun 2020, 12:53 BST
A mock-up of how the drive-in cinema experience against the backdrop of the Harland and Wolff shipyard should lookA mock-up of how the drive-in cinema experience against the backdrop of the Harland and Wolff shipyard should look
A mock-up of how the drive-in cinema experience against the backdrop of the Harland and Wolff shipyard should look

Drive-In Cinema Belfast are behind the experience with all profits going to Covid-19 research at Queen’s University, Belfast.

On Saturday and Sunday they will screen eight classic movies in the Titanic Quarter with each screening able to accommodate 350 cars, at a cost of £30 per car.

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Cars will be directed into a chess board-style parking arrangement ensuring two metres around each vehicle to guarantee social distancing and a clear view of the 60 square metre screen.

The movies being shown on Saturday are Toy Story (10am), Up (1.30pm) and Grease (5pm and 9pm). On Sunday the films are The Lion King (10am), Frozen 2 (1.30pm), The Goonies (5pm) and Back To The Future (9pm).

Cormac O’Kane of Drive-In Cinema Belfast said: “We’ve got some people coming with authentic Grease cars and hopefully we’ll get the odd DeLorean on Sunday for Back To The Future. It’s going to be a lot of fun.

“We’re reckoning on around 10,000 people attending over the weekend.

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“All of the evening screenings are sold out, but some tickets remain for the kids movies in the morning and matinees slots.”

He said: “It’s more than just a drive-in cinema, it’s an event. We’ll have an interactive quiz that families can play in the cars during the films if they like. Winners will get prizes from our sponsors Centra.

“If kids arrive dressed for the films we’ll take pictures and get them up on the big screen.

“Everyone will be able to see the giant screen and you will hear the film through your car radio. We turn up the brightness during the day so even if it’s very sunny there’s no problem.”

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The group behind Drive-In Cinema Belfast have already raised £22,000 for Queen’s Covid-19 Rapid Response Innovation Fund through the recent song and video based on the Adventures’ song Broken Land recorded by local musicians.

Cormac said: “Before the films we’ll be playing the video for Broken Land and a film about the vital research that is going on at Queen’s for people who have survived Covid-19. That’s what this event is about, highlighting that research.”

He added: “It’s proving really expensive to run. It would be remiss of us not to have the highest standards of hygiene because of what we’re raising money for.

“We may even have gone overboard but I think this is going to be a template for anyone holding an event as we move out of lockdown.”

Related topics:Northern IrelandCovid-19