It will be a Halloween like no other in Derry and Strabane this year, but despite the restrictions on social activities the people of Strabane can still look forward to a fright night to remember at the movies.
Strabane BID Company has confirmed details of a socially distanced Drive In Movie night, to be located in Dock Street Carpark, with tickets going on sale on Friday.
The idea behind the event is to bring the people of the area an entertaining and socially distanced event which will adhere to all government legislation in relation to Covid19.
Two screenings will take place on the night with a family friendly fun showing planned for earlier in the evening at 7.00pm, to be followed by something a bit spookier for older audiences at 10pm.
The BID company called on movie buffs in advance of both screenings to take part in a special voting competition to decide which frightful features will have audiences howling this Halloween.
The winning entries were creepy classics Ghostbusters and Beetlejuice which will have families cowering in their cars on Halloween night.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Brian Tierney, said the event was the perfect entertainment experience in the current climate. “I want to say well done to the Strabane BID Company for coming up with this idea,” he declared. “It’s been a real challenge to find suitable activities and entertainment that allow people to celebrate the spirit of Halloween in a safe and enjoyable manner this year.
“Drive in movies are always popular and I think there will be a full house at these events. A lot of effort is going into ensuring that all the safety requirements are met in terms of limiting interaction, and bringing people together in a safe and responsibly managed way.”
Chair of the Strabane BID Company Kieran Kennedy from the Strabane BID said: “I am delighted to see this event going ahead. This is a very difficult time for everyone and I think we do need some positive things to look forward to and people will glad to celebrate Halloween in an alternative way.
“Health and Safety at this event will be paramount and families can join together in their own bubbles to safely share some Halloween classics and capture the spirit of Halloween. We expect there to be a lot of interest in the screenings so we would encourage people to book their tickets early.”
Tickets are on sale via EventBrite
7pm: Ghostbusters – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/124257227713
10pm: Beetlejuice – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/124529821047
All tickets will be scanned on arrival on the night with no interaction required. No refreshments will be on sale at the event but people can bring their own Halloween goodies
Toilets will be provided but people are being advised to use facilities only in case of an emergency. Measures will be put in place for toilet cleaning so expect socially distanced queuing and increased waiting times.
To find out more about all the events taking place across the City and District this year go to derryhalloween.com