Newcastle could host new drive-in cinema

Newcastle could host new drive-in cinema

27 May 2020

DOWN District could soon have its very own drive-in cinema.

The magic of the big screen could be coming to various towns if Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s incoming chairwoman, Laura Devlin, has her way.

She is hoping that the local authority will look at creating drive-in cinemas to screen modern blockbusters and Hollywood classics and that this will be just the ticket to help people through the rigours of Covid-19.

The global pandemic has had a major impact on people across the council area with Cllr Devlin hoping local authority officials will look at the options of bringing a drive-in cinema to the district.

Plans are well underway for a drive-in cinema at the sprawling Harland and Wolff site in Belfast which will feature a massive 54 metre squared screen, with room for around 400 cars spaced out to allow for social distancing.

Occupants of each car will be able to hear the movie soundtrack through their car stereo.

After many weeks of being lockdown, Cllr Devlin believes that a drive-in cinema could just be the tonic that the district needs and will allow people to leave their homes, but remain within the safety of their own cars.

Various council sports pitches across the district including Newcastle’s Donard Park and Dunleath Park in Downpatrick could potentially be perfect settings for drive-in movies.

The incoming first citizen is hoping that there will be a positive conclusion to her suggestion which comes after the Northern Ireland Executive agreed that drive-in cinemas could take place as part of the easing of lockdown restrictions.

“There can be no doubt that we are living through some of the most unprecedented and life-changing times in recent memory,” said Cllr Devlin.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has changed so much of our everyday life and, tragically, hundreds of people have lost their lives to this invisible killer and we all extend our most heartfelt sympathies to the friends and relatives of those who have died as a result of the virus.”

Cllr Devlin said that as things move forward and more restrictions are eased, elected representatives “must take the lead” and explore how they can offer opportunities for people to interact once more, in a safe environment that adheres to the legalities of social distancing. 

“One such measure that I would like council officers to explore is the potential for a drive-in cinema,” continued the Mournes councillor.

“This is something which we have seen from local community groups in our district before and is always a great evening. It will mean people can enjoy an evening together while still maintaining social distancing in the comfort of their own car.”

As a start, Cllr Devlin is keen to see a drive-in cinema in Newcastle to mark the start of her year in office.

She explained that this would allow the local authority to gauge its success and how it complements the legislation on social distancing.

“Hopefully after this, we may be in a position to roll this venture out across the entire district over the course of the year and include all our towns,” said Cllr Devlin.

“Already, this idea has gained a lot of support from local people which I think is a testament to the need that currently exists within all of us to connect and eventually interact with our family and friends once more.”

Cllr Devlin added: “The test of how we unlock this will be in how we can continue to adhere to essential government guidelines on social distancing and ultimately defeating this disease.”