Hollywood in Harwood unique pop up cinema weekend at Mercer Hall was a success

Great Harwood Events welcomed guests all weekend to their unique event, a Pop Up Cinema in the historic Mercer Hall – sitting in the disused swimming pool!

The big screen and unique experience drew nearly a thousand bookings, with limited tickets for each screening – all completely free.

The film selection was designed to provide an experience for all ages, so all the community could take part.

 Funded by UK Government’s High Street Accelerator Pilot Programme and delivered by Hyndburn Borough Council, the screenings included The Fall Guy, The Paw Patrol Movie, Matilda the Musical, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, Venom: The Last Dance, Smile 2, cult classic Battle Royale, The Wild Robot, and Disney’s The Little Mermaid. 

Guests were encouraged to bring in food from the local eateries, and free crisps and drinks were provided.

Mellows Lounge Bar also kindly provided free pizza and sweets at several showings, which went down very well with attendees.

 Cllr Noordad Aziz, deputy leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, said: “This has been a really popular and successful event, with the whole community joining in to experience something really different.

 "We’ve had brilliant feedback from those who came, with so many people saying how fabulous to see it used for something unique and different! Feedback from the local eateries has also been excellent, with trade really high over the weekend.

 “It was a really memorable experience for everyone, and for a few of the small children it was their first ever cinema experience. They might grow up to be inspirational directors of the future!”

 The fun also continues with a children’s competition over half term to win some fantastic Great Harwood prizes by collecting stamps from outlets around the town and dropping off entries at the Library.

Prizes include meals for 4 at Mellows Lounge Bar, Holy Cannoli, and Akela Street Food, a £25 Finch Bakery voucher, a family hamper from Brie Mine, and 20 x 2 tickets to Vue Cinema. The first 200 entries can also collect a free tub of popcorn from the Library. Competition closes at 1pm on Friday 21st February.

 You can keep up to date on Hyndburn Borough Council’s events page here: www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/events

 These events are part of an exciting events programme delivered by Hyndburn Borough Council and funded by UK Government’s High Street Accelerator Pilot Programme.