FILM fans starved of the big screen during lockdown will be able to get their Hollywood fix at one of the region’s first drive-in cinemas as a Warwickshire venue launches a new cinematic normal.
With a variety of restrictions set to be in place when traditional cinemas re-open, NAEC Stoneleigh, which is based at Stoneleigh Park, is set to play host to Drive and Dine Theatre from July 21 to July 26, inviting visitors to watch films from the comfort of their own cars.
As the hospitality and entertainment sector slowly begins to rebuild following the impact of the pandemic, NAEC Stoneleigh’s partnership with Drive and Dine will offer a unique experience for visitors to its 250-acre outdoor space.
Along with award-winning movies, there will also be comedy and food from Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge on offer as part of a distinctly American-esque experience.
The innovative event marks a welcome return to business for NAEC Stoneleigh, which will be able to accommodate up to 200 cars for each daily screening.
The venue and event organisers will implement rigorous cleaning and safety processes to ensure it is fully compliant with all Covid-19 procedures and measures.
Chris Hartley, managing director at NAEC Stoneleigh, said: “We’re really excited to be welcoming Drive and Dine Theatre to NAEC Stoneleigh.
“This will be the first such event we have hosted and is a fantastic opportunity for the local community to come along, enjoy a fab film, some top-class comedy and food from one of the country’s leading chefs.
“After what has felt like a long few months of restrictions and lack of social activity, I’m sure this experience will appeal to a lot of people.
“It is also a welcome return for us as a venue. We have not been idle throughout the lockdown period and have actually won a number of new events, so this is a wonderful way to kick off our renaissance and, hopefully, to inspire confidence both in the events industry and the wider community that ‘normal service’ is very much resuming.”
Films to be shown on the big screen include La La Land, which opens the six-day run at 7pm on Tuesday July 21, the classics Back to the Future, Jaws and Grease, while Oscar-winning 1917 plays on Sunday, July 26.
Comedy will be provided from the likes of Ed Byrne, Mark Watson and Daliso Chaponda, along with an exclusive menu curated by celebrity chef Tom Kerridge.
Chris Hughes, CEO of Brand Events, which is running the Drive and Dine Theatre experience, is pleased to be teaming up with NAEC Stoneleigh, as he feels with its location and outdoor space it is the perfect venue for his event.
He said: “We are so excited to be hosting Drive and Dine at NAEC Stoneleigh, the event is going to be loads of fun and guests can have peace of mind about socialising out of the house safely.
“Amazing food, top movies and unmissable comedy – the event isn’t one to miss, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone this summer.”
Visit driveanddine.seetickets.com/venue/warwick/22906/list for tickets and further details.
