Two Drive-In Cinema options coming to Banbury

Two local residents have come together to bring the first drive-in cimema experience to Banbury this July at the Banbury United Football Club grounds.

Phoenix Drive in Cinema, created by Ryan Johnson and Jake Stevens, have been working with local venues and businesses to bring the concept to life for the town.

The first event is set to take place Saturday July 18 at Banbury United Football Club Stadium.

Ryan Johnson said: "We have been looking at the idea since the pandemic began, knowing there would be lots of Banbury residents in want of some entertainment whilst keeping at a safe distance.

"The PM’s announcement gave us the green light and Cherwell District Council have been great at supporting our proposals. We are looking to offer a fun experience at a reasonable price whilst benefiting local businesses and communities."

ARB Events, a local company who supply some of the biggest outdoor events in the UK, are providing the huge state of the art LED screens with audio transmitted direct to car stereos.

Jake Stevens said: “This is something we really believe will work in the town. There’s no need for customer contact, and it offers some great safe family entertainment with films on offer for all ages to enjoy.”

Shows will include Toy Story, The Italian Job and Grease for £20 per vehicle.

Banbury United Football Club Chairman Phil Lines said: "This is a great event, and opportunity for us to welcome some of the Banbury United family and local communities down to the stadium for some much needed fun."

Tickets can be purchased with a visit to the Phoenix Drive in Cinema website here: www.phoenixdrivein.co.uk.

A second Drive-In cinema experience will also be coming to Banbury through a partnership between Drive-in Films and the Banbury Rugby Union Football Club, who will host the film showings.

Ian Marriott, director of Drive in Films, said: "We will be staging a drive-in cinema experience to give the community a lift after lockdown and to help protect and provide much needed funds for the local Community Amateur Sports Club."

Drive in Films will bring a giant 7m by 9m screen showing current and classic films to The DCS Stadium, Bodicote Park, Banbury.

The first screening will be August 8. Tickets and information are available from from the Drive in Films website here: www.driveinfilms.co.uk.

Drive in Films will accommodate around 120 cars and 300 people at each screening.

Ian said: "Part of the reason we're doing this is supporting local sports venues. We really want to encourage people to support the club and buy their food and drink. We're keen to stress 'help out your local club.'"

Food and drink will be offered and will be delivered to the car by staff who will be fully equipped in PPE, and working to current governmental guidelines around social distancing.

Drive in Films will also offer live Video DJ pre and post entertainment to experience.

Banbury RUFC General Manager, Phil ‘Monty’ Montanaro, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for the club to provide something for the community, whilst also helping the club’s finances at a time when we can’t play rugby.

"I would like to invite all people from around the area to attend the cinema nights and enjoy themselves. Once the rugby starts again we would hope that those that have had a good time at the film nights will come back and support the teams.

Drive in Films will be showing a mixture of classic films and a few more recent newer ones including Joker, Rocket Man, Grease and Mamma Mia.

More film showings, including a few children's films will be announced later on their website here: https://driveinfilms.co.uk/Tickets can also be purchased through the website. Tickets cost £13.50 per car, and plus a £7 per person film entrance fee.

Ian added: “Being able to work to support grass roots football and provide valuable entertainment to the community is important to us.

"We are based out of Silverstone in Northamptonshire, and we know how hard it is for all sports, and sports clubs have been hit by the impact of COVID-19 virus and subsequent closure of their vital facilities.

"Re-purposing this fantastic sports ground for a short while over the summer makes good use of the excellent facilities available.

"It makes sense for all and will support the young children who play sports, their families and the wider club – so once restrictions are lifted there is still a club to play at.

"We hope that the community around Banbury will book tickets, have a great night out and come and support the local club and local business Drive In Films in this endeavour."

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