Drive-in movies return to the Castle Grounds for second year

Tamworth drive-in cinema 2021

May 5th 2021

Tamworth movie lovers are being invited to enjoy outdoor cinema with the return of the drive-in event planned for the summer.

Last year, due to the pandemic, the traditional annual open air cinema event in August could not go ahead, so the drive-in cinema event took place which followed all the Government guidelines around gatherings and social distancing.

The event was so successful and due to the Government Roadmap plan for this year, it has been decided that the safest way for Tamworth Borough Council’s Arts and Events team to offer our outdoor event is to host the drive-in movie screenings.

This event will see the main field at the bottom of the Castle Grounds (near the skate park) being opened up to cars on August 6 and August 7.

While full plans are being finalised, Friday, August 6, will be a showing of the iconic Back to the Future, starring Michael J Fox as Marty and Saturday, August 7, will be the 80s classic shark thriller, Jaws. 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 on Thursday, May 6, priced at £30 per car, with space for 200 cars each evening. Back to the Future is rated a PG British Board of Film Classification and Jaws a PG-12 (suggested that a person should be at least 12 years of age).

Audiences will be watching from within their vehicles, children are also invited to attend with adults for the showing of Back to the Future and over 12-year olds for Jaws. There will be vendors offering refreshments and snacks on site.

Sarah McGrandle, Tamworth Borough Council’s Assistant Director for Operations and Leisure, said: “We are delighted to invite audiences for another year of outdoor cinema in our beautiful Castle Grounds.

“Arts, leisure and events completely came to a stop during the pandemic with so many shows and entertainment forced to cancel, but last August we were able to put on our first drive-in cinema event, giving families an enjoyable night of entertainment during very uncertain times.

“This year we are offering two evenings of retro 80s films, perfect for a families, couples or a night out with mates. On the Friday we will screen the action-packed Back to the Future, a favourite with people of all ages, followed by Jaws on Saturday evening for the braver audience!  

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

To book tickets please contact the box office on 01827 709 618 or book online via www.tamworthartsandevents.co.uk.