A ‘drive-thru cinema’ is launching in Sheffield – street food will be delivered to your car and NHS staff can go for free

The Village Screen has been popping up to show films at unusual places, such as the outdoor pool in Hathersage, Ecclesall Woods and Castleton's Peak Cavern, since 2015.

Over the past five years the venture has gained momentum, with screenings being held across the country for more than 35,000 people.

But, as the Covid-19 pandemic has made public gatherings more complicated, organisers have come up with a new way of showing movies by launching the Drive Thru Cinema.

“This summer, we’re bringing Drive Thru Cinema events to a number of secret and special locations across Sheffield, Manchester and further afield,” The Village Screen said.

“Expect cult films, quirky locations and epic street food, all delivered to your car.”

The drive-in will be ‘just as original’ as before, it is promised, with ‘live music and DJ entertainment’ as well as drink deliveries, ‘all while following social distancing rules’.

“Audiences will be able to choose from a number of cult classics, all of which will be screened in the evening using state of the art projection and proper cinema screens, with sound being delivered straight to your car.

“We will be donating a number of free tickets each night for NHS staff. You will also be able to thank the NHS staff by buying and donating a Hero ticket. Dates and tickets will be released soon.”

The Village Screen was established by Claire Atkinson as part of her company, Village Green Events. Claire grew up in Millhouses and began the pop-up cinema after moving back to Sheffield from London, where she worked first as a lawyer, and then for the Science Museum’s corporate sponsorship team.

“I went to outdoor screenings in London and loved them,” she said in 2015. “I remember thinking ‘I’d love to do this in Sheffield’.”

Normally audiences view films while wearing headphones and lounging on vintage deckchairs.

Visit www.thevillagescreen.com to register for updates.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to The Star website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Visit https://www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Thank you

Nancy Fielder, editor