Enjoy film favourites under the stars this summer

Outdoor Cinema Tamworth

There is still time to grab your tickets for this year’s Outdoor Cinema on Saturday, August 4, for the two exciting public choice films of Top Gun and Labyrinth.

Audiences can enjoy watching the classic movies on a giant screen under the stars as the popular Outdoor Cinema returns to the picturesque Castle Grounds this summer.

With the announcement of the release of Top Gun 2 coming to our cinema screens in July 2019, this long anticipated sequel to the classic 80s movie starring Tom Cruise will guarantee that everyone will be talking about the ‘need for speed’ as aviators return to   Hollywood screens. Now is the time to ‘feel the need’ and remind ourselves just how amazing the original 1986 iconic film is.

The winning movies for the popular Outdoor Cinema in Tamworth Castle Grounds were revealed earlier this year as Top Gun, for the 9.15pm slot, to be followed by a showing of Labyrinth at 11.45pm.

Top Gun is a 1986 American romantic military action drama film directed by Tony Scott, and starring film stars Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis. The Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School is where the best of the best train to refine elite flying skills. When hotshot fighter pilot Maverick (Cruise) is sent to the school, his reckless casual attitude put him at odds with the other pilots, especially the cool and collected Iceman (Val Kilmer). But Maverick isn't only competing to be the top fighter pilot, he's also fighting for the attention of his beautiful flight instructor, Charlotte Blackwood (McGillis).

This iconic film won many awards, including an Academy Award for best original song for "Take My Breath Away" performed by Berlin.

The other great classic film chosen for the midnight movie is the much-loved adventure tale Labyrinth, featuring the late David Bowie.

Labyrinth is a 1986 British-American musical dark fantasy adventure film directed by Jim Henson and starring music legend David Bowie. The film revolves around 15-year-old Sarah (Jennifer Connelly) and her quest to reach the centre of an enormous otherworldly maze to rescue her infant brother Toby, whom Sarah wished away to Jareth, the Goblin King (Bowie). With the exception of Connelly and Bowie, most of the film's significant characters are played by puppets produced by Jim Henson's Creature Shop.

This amazing adventure film also features the well-known soundtrack music by David Bowie. This will be a silent screening and headphones will be provided.

Cllr John Chesworth, Tamworth Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Culture and Operational Services, said: “The Outdoor Cinema has been a hugely popular event in the six years since it was added to the annual outdoor events programme. The past two years we decided to give audiences the chance to choose the films they wanted to watch under the stars, so don’t miss these two winning choices.

“With the release of Top Gun 2 coming next year, this is a perfect opportunity to see the first Top Gun and re-live the magic of the naval fighters.

“Labyrinth has always been praised for its award-winning film and memorable David Bowie soundtrack. It’s a must-see film for any adventure story fans.”

Cinema goers are invited to take warm blankets and a picnic, although food and drink will be on sale during both events. No glass, gazebos or alcohol are to be taken on site, but a licensed bar will be available throughout.

Gates open 45 minutes prior to Top Gun and 15 minutes before Labyrinth. Entrance is by ticket only and both movies are for audiences aged 18 and over, due to licensing restrictions.

Tickets are priced at £10 and available online at www.tamworthartsandevents.co.uk, in person from Tamworth Information Centre in Marmion House, Lichfield Street, or by calling the Box Office on 01827 709618. A transaction fee of £1 is payable on all online and telephone bookings.