Outdoor Cinema film choices revealed following public vote

Almost 700 movie lovers have voted to decide the two films that are shown at this year’s popular Outdoor Cinema in Tamworth Castle Grounds.

Votes were cast online and via social media after members of the public were invited to choose from a shortlist the films they would most like to see on a big screen in the great outdoors this summer.

The winning movies have now been revealed as Top Gun, which came out on top with 112 votes for the earlier 9.15pm slot, to be followed by a showing of Labyrinth at 11.45pm, chosen by 75 people.

Tickets for this year’s Outdoor Cinema on Saturday, August 4, go on sale on Thursday (February 15), tickets are priced at £10 per screening.  Anyone wishing to attend is advised to get in early as last year’s 1,300 tickets sold out within just a week of going on sale.

Top Gun is a 1986 American romantic military action drama film directed by Tony Scott, and starring film stars Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis. The Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School is where the best of the best train to refine elite flying skills. When hotshot fighter pilot Maverick (Cruise) is sent to the school, his reckless casual attitude put him at odds with the other pilots, especially the cool and collected Iceman (Val Kilmer). But Maverick isn't only competing to be the top fighter pilot, he's also fighting for the attention of his beautiful flight instructor, Charlotte Blackwood (McGillis).

This iconic film won many awards, including an Academy Award for best original song for "Take My Breath Away" performed by Berlin.

Another great classic film has been chosen for the midnight movie in the form of much-loved adventure tale Labyrinth.

Labyrinth is a 1986 British-American musical dark fantasy adventure film directed by Jim Henson and starring music legend David Bowie. The film revolves around 15-year-old Sarah (Jennifer Connelly) and her quest to reach the centre of an enormous otherworldly maze to rescue her infant brother Toby, whom Sarah wished away to Jareth, the Goblin King (Bowie). With the exception of Connelly and Bowie, most of the film's significant characters are played by puppets produced by Jim Henson's Creature Shop.

This amazing adventure film also features the well-known soundtrack music by David Bowie. This will be a silent screening and headphones will be provided.

Cllr Robert Pritchard, Deputy Leader of Tamworth Borough Council, said: “The Outdoor Cinema has been a hugely popular event in the six years since it was added to the annual outdoor events programme. The past two years we decided to give audiences the chance to choose the films they wanted to watch under the stars and the event subsequently ended up selling out within just a week of going on sale.

“We decided to open it out to the public again and have been amazed at the response with a total of 688 taking the opportunity to have their say. Due to the popular success of this event, I would urge anyone who would like to attend to book their tickets straight away to avoid disappointment this time around.”

Cinema goers are invited to take warm blankets and a picnic, although food and drink will be on sale during both events. No glass, gazebos or alcohol are to be taken on site, but a licensed bar will be available throughout.

Gates open 45 minutes prior to Top Gun and 15 minutes before Labyrinth. Entrance is by ticket only and both movies are for audiences aged 18 and over, due to licensing restrictions.

Tickets are available online at www.tamworthartsandevents.co.uk, in person from Tamworth Information Centre in Marmion House, Lichfield Street, or by calling the Box Office on 01827 709618. A transaction fee of £1 is payable on all online and telephone bookings.

The Outdoor Cinema is just one element of a packed programme of outdoor events that has been confirmed for 2018. The full line up will be revealed soon.