Drive-in cinema at Wigan equestrian centre for animal charity

Drive-in cinema organisers Madison Libby and Caroline Howarth

Wiganers wanting to experience the magic of the movies will be able to enjoy festive flicks on four wheels this December.

Caroline Howarth and her daughter Madison Libby from ARC Equestrian Rescue and Henry’s Helping Hoof are bringing a drive-in cinema to Standish this month and putting on a programme of seasonal classics.

Residents will be able to enjoy Covid-secure screenings of four different films over two days to help Henry’s Helping Hoof, which offers emergency treatment, rehab and rescue to horses and other domestic animals.

Movie-goers will be able to stay securely in their cars and will even have food delivered to their set of wheels.The events are taking place at Thompson House Equestrian Centre on Pepper Lane, where Henry’s Helping Hoof regularly organises dog and horse shows and has done fund-raising events including a winter wonderland.

The Polar Express is one of the films being screened

Caroline said: “With Covid going on we wanted to do something for families so they can get out but be safe at the same time.

“We thought what would be better than a drive-in cinema?

“Instead of paying per film we’ve put a price per car and then you’re in for the night. We’re trying to keep it in the right price bracket because people haven’t got a lot of money with Covid but still want to get out with their kids.

“We’re really looking forward to it. It’s the first time we’ve done this and we’ve had a phenomenal response.”

Caroline says around 100 bookings have already been made.

It is hoped that around 150 cars will fit on the Standish site for each screening.

The programme kicks off on December 13 with a triple-header of The Grinch, The Polar Express and Home Alone, before the perennial favourite starring Macaulay Culkin is re-run on December 19 along with Elf.

Caroline has arranged for a mouth-watering selection of burgers, pizzas, street food, desserts and other dishes to be available for delivering to people’s cars.

There will also be a socially-distanced grotto where children can meet Father Christmas, though parents will have to book a time slot for this.

Demand for the screenings has been so high that Caroline has already been in discussion with Thompson House’s owner about squeezing another date in between Christmas and the New Year.

She thanked Starlite Entertainments near Blackpool for taking care of the technical side of the screenings.

The drive-in cinema is £20 per car per evening. To find out more or book, search for ARC Christmas Drive In on Facebook.

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