Audiences enjoyed movies and the theatre in a weekend of new-look socially-distanced entertainment in Tamworth.

Tamworth Borough Council’s Arts & Events team were delighted to be able to bring some much-needed entertainment back to the town, in the form of drive-in movies and family outdoor theatre.

Hundreds of people enjoyed classic movies on a big screen on Friday and Saturday evening (August 14 and 15) in a Tamworth first, when the big field at the bottom of the Castle Grounds was turned into a drive-in cinema. Both films almost sold out, with movie lovers enjoying Grease on Friday and The Greatest Showman on Saturday.

Then on Sunday (August 15), families were entertained by Heartbreak Productions with a theatre show performed outdoors on the Lower Lawn of the Castle Grounds at the foot of the historic Bandstand and with Tamworth Castle as the backdrop. The light-hearted family show of ‘Alice in Lockdown’ has been specially penned to reflect the current times we are living in and provide a much-needed antidote to the stay-at-home blues.

All events were planned with safety as the number one priority, enabling people to enjoy some entertainment while keeping as safe as possible from the ongoing risks of coronavirus. A number of measures were in place, including social distancing and additional cleaning.

Feedback has so far been positive, with some people taking to social media to share their views. Drive-in customer, Nicoli Haggan said: “Great job Tamworth Arts & Events, super smooth organisation and an all-round fab evening, thank you.”

Rachel Victoria added: “Excellent night out. Special mention to the staff keeping the toilets spotlessly clean.”

Tamworth Arts & Events team will continue to explore opportunities to provide safe entertainment where possible. This has also included the return of the popular summer Bandstand concerts which have been running throughout August.

This programme continues with Claret performing on Saturday, August 22 and 58’s Blues Band on Saturday, August 29. Performances take place at intervals between 12.30pm and 3.30pm, weather permitting.

Cllr John Chesworth, Tamworth Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Culture and Operational Services, said: “It’s great to see entertainment back in Tamworth from our Arts & Events team. Obviously safety is paramount at the moment, but we know people are missing their arts and events and will therefore continue to explore all opportunities for providing safe activities for our residents as restrictions allow.

“It sounds like the weekend’s entertainment went well and was enjoyed by those who went along. We thank people for supporting the events and look forward to providing more in the future.”

To find out what’s on in Tamworth, visit www.tamworthartsandevents.co.uk.