Derry people snap up drive-in cinema tickets

Small outdoor gatherings are now permitted, including drive-in cinemas, concerts and performances as long as people remain in their cars.

Local businessman Joe Jackson is behind the ‘Drive-In Movie Experience’ which is due to take place on the Corrody Road next month.

Tickets went on sale earlier this week and the night time shows were completely booked out for June 13 and 14 and only a small selection of tickets remain for earlier show times.

Mr Jackson said it is something he had been considering doing on his land before the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We have very good space and this won’t cause any disturbance as the sound either comes through bluetooth or the car radio. We don’t know how long this pandemic is going to last and hopefully cinemas can reopen again soon, this is just something for people to do in the meantime.”

The Drive-In Movie Experience has announced further dates from June 18 to June 21 and tickets will be on sale soon.

Meanwhile, another local company who have been involved in mobile cinema hire for a number of years have said they have bookings from a number of local community groups and charities.

Ronnie McClelland, from Full Swing Entertainment, said that his company, which hires inflatables and amusement rides, had lost all their bookings for this year as a result of the global Coronavirus pandemic.

However, there is now huge demand for his mobile cinema equipment from across the North.

He said that these bookings will help to keep his business ‘afloat’.

“We were looking at no work at all during our season, which usually runs from March to September. This has been a real bonus for us. Locally the equipment has been booked by community groups, including those based in Strathfoyle, Ballymagroarty and Hazlebank and the Waterside Shared Partnership. We are waiting for all our licences to be approved but from mid June the equipment will be out and about.”

A Dundalk based company is also planning to host a drive-in cinema in the city.

The Big Drive Inn is travelling around 11 towns and cities in the North, including Derry, with four different showings each day.

Details of dates and location are due to be announced at a later stage.