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Drive-in cinema and comedy events across Kent this summer

07:50, 09 July 2020

updated: 08:27, 10 July 2020

Drive-in events have proved a popular prospect during the pandemic, providing security and safety, with social distancing and even the chance to stay in your own car for many of them.

They kick off next week, and come to a range of venues throughout the holiday period. Here's what's on:

Drive-in cinema this summer
Drive-in cinema this summer

Drive & Dine Theatre

Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge - the man behind Pub in the Park - was the first to launch his ultimate drive-in theatre experience, Drive & Dine Theatre, which comes to Hever Castle next week and is virtually sold out.

Guests have been able to choose from family films, classics and blockbusters, while tucking into an exclusive menu curated by Tom to enjoy in the comfort of their car.

With personal speaker systems for each car and food served straight to each parking bay, the event has been carefully organised with social distancing and safety in mind.

Tom said: “I am so excited for this great new event. Come and eat some good grub, catch some quality movies, and make some new memories with your loved ones."

Tom Kerridge Picture: Studio Lambert/Andrew Hayes-Watkins
Tom Kerridge Picture: Studio Lambert/Andrew Hayes-Watkins

Films on offer include 1917 and Knives Out starring Daniel Craig; The BFG and Aladdin and drive-in classics Grease, Back to the Future and Jaws, while the menu includes ‘That’ Bacon Cheeseburger with maple cured bacon, Chicken Tikka Masala, Five Bean Chilli Vegan Burrito and also picnic boxes.

Comedian Sara Pascoe
Comedian Sara Pascoe

Running from Tuesday, July 14 to Sunday, July 19, all daytime and evening viewings of films have now sold out, but a Carpool Comedy Night hosted by comedian Mark Watson on the Thursday is still available. He will be joined by Sara Barron, Sara Pascoe and Steen Raskopoulos for the evening.

Book at driveanddinetheatre.com

Drive-In Me Crazy

A drive-in festival series will kick off with an evening of comedy in Maidstone's Mote Park, Lark in the Park, featuring comedians Marcus Brigstocke, Stephen K Amos and Rachel Parris.

The event, which organisers say is the county's first social distancing festival series, will be held on Thursday, July 30, and will be MC Stephen Grant of Brighton-based Komedia.

Rachel Parris
Rachel Parris

Ticket holders will have their own fenced-off parking bay and will be waited on through the event, ordering food and drink via an app.

Visitors will only need to leave their bay to use toilet facilities. To book go to drive-inmecrazy.com

Luna Cinema

The cinema has organised screenings at several of its usual venues this summer through to October.

The first in Kent will be held at Leeds Castle, between Thursday, July 30 and Saturday, August 1. Screenings will be of the movie based on the period drama Downton Abbey; The Greatest Showman starring Hugh Jackman and the classic Grease.

The Greatest Showman will be screened by Luna Cinema
The Greatest Showman will be screened by Luna Cinema

Following that will be Swanley Park's showings of the Elton John biopic Rocketman and the 80s classic starring Patrick Swayze, Dirty Dancing, with Tonbridge Castle next with Dirty Dancing Rocketman and Romeo and Juliet in late September.

And Rochester Castle provides the county finale with showings of Rocketman in early October. For the last of the tickets book at thelunacinema.com

Taron Egerton as Elton John in Rocketman Picture: Paramount Pictures/David Appleby
Taron Egerton as Elton John in Rocketman Picture: Paramount Pictures/David Appleby

Kent Drive In Cinema

Take a trip back to the 1950s with Back to the Future at a drive-in cinema.

The classic time-travelling escapade is just one option available for film fans, who next month will be able to drive to new open-air cinema sites at Swanley Park, Ashford Outlet Centre, Canterbury Park and Ride and Betteshanger Park near Deal.

Kent Drive In Cinema has been launched by Nick and Dave Whiteoak, who have been supplying large LED screens at open-air events such as Glastonbury and Reading festivals for the last 16 years though their company Video Illusions. Screenings include Jurassic Park, The Lion King, A Star is Born and 1917

Visit kentdriveincinema.co.uk

Drive-in cinema at Dreamland, Margate

Classic films - such as Back to the Future - as well as Shark Tale and Cars are set to be shown at the Margate attraction from Wednesday, August 5 until Friday, August 21.

The films will be running between August 5 and 21. To book go to dreamland.co.uk/events

For more days out and entertainments news across Kent click here.

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