SOUTHEND’S big screen is making a grand return this summer as an open-air cinema is created to screen a series of family-friendly movies.
The huge screen on the Forum building, in Elmer Avenue in the city centre, will be used to screen films for free for residents to enjoy on four Saturdays in August.
This year’s selection of films has been made in response to Southend Libraries annual summer reading challenge, Marvellous Makers, which is aimed at firing up children’s imaginations and encourage storytelling and creativity.
The films being shown are Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, on August 3, Back to the Future, on August 10, Wall-E on August 17 and Wonka on August 24.
All screenings will start at 3pm and be totally free.
Southend Labour councillor responsible for culture, Matt Dent, said: “I am delighted that we have got the films at the Big Screen back and the line-up of films looks excellent, it is one of the city’s favourite events through the summer.
“It is a great opportunity to take the kids out and watch a film, I encourage as many people as possible to come out, set up a picnic blanket and enjoy a great film.”
Mr Dent added that the screen is used “wisely for art events” and conversations have been had “about making further use of it, as it is a great resource that would be better to put more on.”
He said: “It would be nice to do more various screenings, particularly around sports events though the police would have something to say.
“I would be keen to make more use of the screen if we could.”
The big screen is a purpose-built display screen that opened in 2013 for the presentation of artist commissions, live transmissions, and short and feature films relative to the cultural context of Southend, South Essex, and further afield.
A quarterly programme of curated or newly-commissioned artist moving image is screened daily in the public setting of Elmer Square, adjacent to Focal Point Gallery.
Last year’s range of films included Kung Fu Panda, Space Jam, Surf’s Up and Cars. People are encouragement to bring chairs and blankets.
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