Watch your favourite spooky season flicks under a giant canopy at Calderstones Park this October half term
The city’s biggest open-air cinema is returning to Calderstones Mansion this spooky season following a sold-out summer of screenings.
Nine Halloween favourites, from children’s animations to thrillers and cult classics, will be screened under canvas in a giant canopy this October half term.
Screenings will run from Tuesday 28 October to Saturday 1 November. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and soak up the atmosphere with spooky music, food and drinks. Pre-orders will be taken for hot food, including nachos (£8), hot dogs (£8) and pizzas (£14) - all of which have vegan options available.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available, with offers running throughout. Bottles of fizz are available for £25 each and buckets (six bottles) of Peroni are £20.
Pre-book a deckchair (£5) to watch the film from, or bring your own picnic blanket. Tickets are priced at £14.50 for adults and £9.50 for under 16s. Calderstones members can save 10% and receive priority booking (open now) with general sale opening from Tuesday 2 September.
Jen Chapman, Associate Director of Marketing, Communications & Digital at The Reader, the UK’s largest Shared Reading charity, said: “It’s been a joy this summer to welcome thousands of people to our beautiful garden for our first ever season of cinema. We’ve been absolutely blown away with how successful it’s been, so we’re creating more movie magic for the spooky season.
“This time we’re installing a giant canopy in the garden to help audiences stay cosy, and we’ll of course be bringing back our gorgeous homemade food, cocktails and hot drinks to enjoy in the autumnal atmosphere.”
See the full list of films below:
MINI MOVIES
Short and sweet morning screenings will take place for the littlest cinema lovers inside The Reader’s cosy Mansion House Theatre Room. Doors open: 11am for 11.30am screening
Room on the Broom (U)
Tuesday 28 October & Wednesday 29 October, 11.30am
“There’s always room on the broom for my friends and me!” Soar away with this beautiful, animated film of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s charming story about a kind witch, friendship and making space for others. (2012 / 25min)
FAMILIES
Hocus Pocus (PG)
Tuesday 28 October & Friday 31 October, 4pm
“Come little children, the time’s come to play. Here in my garden of magic.” Be spellbound with the iconic Halloween adventure for all the family. Expect crafty witches, talking cats, a race against the clock and a cauldron full of Disney magic. (1993 / 1h 36min)
Hotel Transylvania (U)
Wednesday 29 October, 4pm
“Ok honey, be safe! Bring warm clothes and a sword.” Take a trip to Hotel Transylvania in this heartwarming and gorgeously animated film about family, growing up and embracing difference. (2012 / 1h 31min)
The Addams Family Values (PG)
Thursday 30 October, 4pm
“I’m not perky.” This mischievous and perfectly cast big screen outing for spooky seasons’ most famous family is packed with hilarious moments and unforgettable lines. (1993 / 1hr 34min)
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Saturday 1 November, 4pm
“I could conquer the world with one hand, as long as you are holding the other.” As we say farewell to Halloween for another year, join Jack Skellington the Pumpkin King, as he schemes to steal Christmas in Tim Burton’s darkly heartwarming masterpiece. ( 1993 / 1h 16min)
GROWN UPS
Hocus Pocus (PG)
Tuesday 28 October, 8pm
“Come little children, the time’s come to play. Here in my garden of magic.” Be spellbound with the iconic Halloween adventure for all the family. Expect crafty witches, talking cats, a race against the clock and a cauldron full of Disney magic. (1993 / 1h 36min)
Practical Magic (12)
Wednesday 29 October, 8pm
“There’s a little witch in all of us.” Part romance, part thriller, this cosy classic celebrates sisterhood, magic, and iconic 90s style. Immerse yourself in autumnal scenery and get ready to embrace your inner witch. (1998 / 1h 44min)
Rear Window (PG)
Thursday 30 October, 8pm
“Right now, I’d welcome trouble.” Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece of suspense is a tightly woven tapestry of human relationships and slow building tension. This classic will have you on the edge of your seat. (1954 / 1h 50min)
Beetlejuice (15)
Friday 31 October, 8pm
“Let’s turn on the juice and see what shakes loose.” Tim Burton’s brilliantly bizarre comedy horror features an all-star cast, a heady dose of 80s nostalgia and an unforgettable, offbeat soundtrack. Day-O! (1988 / 1h 32min)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (15)
Saturday 1 November, 8pm
“Don’t dream it, be it.” Dig out your fishnets and get ready to time warp as the ultimate cult movie turns 50 this year. A wildly theatrical celebration of self-expression and liberation. (1975 / 1h 40min)
All profits will support The Reader’s charitable work transforming lives through literature in Liverpool and beyond. The new outdoor cinema has been made possible thanks to a grant by social investor Livv Investment, part of Livv Housing Group, based in Prescot.
For further information and film bookings please visit thereader.org.uk/cinema.
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