Film Forres screenings helped success of Visit Moray Speyside's Winter Festival
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LARGE audiences attended a local cinema club’s free screenings as part of Visit Moray Speyside’s Winter Festival programme.
A total of 148 people enjoyed ‘Elemental’ at Forres Town Hall on January 26, following ‘The Snowman’ and ‘The Snowman and the Snowdog’ in a packed Tolbooth Courtroom after the Christmas lights switch-on on December 2.
Film Forres development manager Ruth Whitfield said: “We were delighted and somewhat overwhelmed with the numbers at both events!
“Not only was there no charge for the film, but the audience was offered Christmas goodie bags in December and free ice cream with Flakes in January. The bags contained Jungle Japes activity books and crayons, bubbles, light sticks, Haribos, chocolate coins and playdough!”
Film Forres has regular showings at Forres Town Hall on Friday and Saturday nights but aims to use the facilities at the Tolbooth more often.
“There was an audience of 70 in there after the lights switch-on,” remembered Ruth. “We couldn’t have got any more in!
“As a cinema, it’s perfect for smaller audiences, however, we can’t serve tuck in the Courtroom as unfortunately there isn’t enough room for it and the chairs.
“We hope that Film Forres first timers who came to Elemental at the town hall will return - there were quite a few new faces!”
The Moray-wide Winter Festival programme ran from November to January. It offered a diverse range of events suitable for all ages including Brodie Illuminated and the Forres fireworks display, events dedicated to St Andrew’s Day and Burn’s Night, as well as Christmas Markets.
Visit Moray Speyside tourism project coordinator Brooke Finnie confirmed the festival was one of the key projects within the Highlands and Islands Recovery Project, offering financial contribution and event support.
She said: “The festival included all of Moray; it was important to spread funding so that all areas of the region could benefit and participate.
“It was a massive success, bringing together a programme of events that connected local business and community groups into one collaborative effort.
“Successful applicants created wonderful events and the success of the event means that we can build on this in future years. Ruth Whitfield and Robert Kenny of Film Forres spared no effort in creating screenings for the community.
“In turn, the festival gave visitors another reason to visit Moray Speyside in what is traditionally a quieter time of the year.”
Film Forres’ programme over the next few months will feature: ‘The Guard’; ‘How to Train your Dragon’; ‘The Kid who would be King’; ‘Wonka’; ‘Puss in Boots, the Last Wish’; ‘Marmaduke’; ‘Secret life of Pets’; ‘Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning’.
The Film Forres Mobile team will also screen Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning at Advie Hall in Grantown.
Ms Whitfield said: “Our Friday screenings are greatly enjoyed by local families twice-a-month for just £1 entry. We love welcoming new members and seeing smiles on the faces of our film-goers.
“A monthly Saturday film for the over-18 audience is always popular with groups of friends who reserve tables and can enjoy a drink and nibbles or watch the film from the balcony.”
For more information visit www.filmforres.co.uk
