Drive-in movies have experienced a revival during COVID-19 and they’re returning to Bundaberg from 24 July.
Coronavirus restrictions boosted the popularity of drive-ins, where you can sit safely in your car, separate from other moviegoers, and still feel part of the excitement of a true cinema experience.
Bundaberg Regional Council and Bundaberg Broadcasters are bringing back the once-popular form of entertainment with a series of Pop-Up Drive-In movie nights at the Bundaberg Recreational Precinct.
They will be held monthly from July to October, with family movies on Friday nights and “date night” movies on Saturday nights.
The first ones will be held later this month, with The Goonies on Friday, 24 July and Dirty Dancing on Saturday, 25 July.
Council’s arts, culture and events portfolio spokesperson, Cr John Learmonth, said it will be a lot of fun.
“Starry Nights Outdoor Movies will be erecting a 10 metre by 6.5 metre inflatable movie screen at the Recreational Precinct,” he said.
“People will be able to access the sound through an FM frequency on their car radios, so they won’t even have to leave their cars if they don’t need to.
“And while they can’t sit outside their vehicles, they are welcome to reverse in and set up in the trays of utes, vans or hatchbacks.”
Food and drinks will also be taken care of, with the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre organising packs of movie treats featuring local products.
“The packs will contain macadamia nuts, caramelised popcorn, juice and ginger beer and can be ordered when people buy their tickets online,” Cr Learmonth said.
“By providing food and drinks we’re encouraging people to stay in their vehicles and only leave to use the restrooms, as per our COVID-safe guidelines.”
Tickets will be $25 per vehicle, with a maximum of five people.
Cr Learmonth said the Pop-Up Drive-in theatre nights are sure to be a sell-out.
“Our limit is 100 vehicles per session and, given the increasing popularity, we’re sure tickets will sell out quite quickly,” he said.
“We’re really looking forward to bringing the drive-in theatre experience back to the Bundaberg community.”
Gates will open at 5.30pm and all movies will screen at 6.30pm.
Tickets will go on sale at 9am Friday morning through the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre by phone 4130 4100 or online here.
Brilliant idea. For many years thought of the old time drive-in theater at the old Sharon speedway behind the garage, opposite the Sharon school.
I remember the old drive in. I was here in 1974 for a short time. I remember going there but not where it was.
What a fantastic idea
Brilliant idea! Such fond memories of drive-ins from my youth…so glad to revisit them again now!