“At least there is something on so we can celebrate” – Worsley bar hosts free outdoor cinema for kids during half term break

A bar in Worsley is hosting a free outdoor cinema for kids during the half-term break.

Coal & Cotton on Leigh Road, Boothstown will show Halloween movies in their outdoor tent, including The Addams Family and Corpse Bride.

The films will be on every day from 26th – 30th October between 3:30pm and 5 pm. On Halloween the bar will show Spooky Stories between 1pm-3pm. 

Those attending are welcome to dress up in costumes to get into the Halloween spirit.

Kids will also eat free from an outdoor BBQ when with a paying adult.

James Bilson, manager of Coal & Cotton, explained how he and the owners are utilising their space to make this year’s Halloween memorable to kids and biding by Covid-19 rules set to their area.
 
He said: “It’s a nice community-based event to get the families in and to get them to do something over half term.

“Obviously, it’s very difficult now with the restrictions, so we’ve given them a space that’s following the strict Covid guidelines.

“Even though it’s a strange way to come out because you’ve got to be sat down and there’s no moving about, [the families] still feel like they’re out, and a lot of them have said it’s exactly what they needed.

“During this time, there’s a lot of mental health [issues] around with what we’re going through.

“People are struggling so it feels a little bit more normal than the normal at the moment.”

A parent who attended the event yesterday with their child encouraged the public to join in the fun: “[My child] absolutely adores [the film] so when we found out this was on, he thought at least there’s something on so we can celebrate [Halloween].

“There’s still a bit of community with it as well with socialising with others rather than just yourselves in your own little bubble, so it was good.”

The bistro has also decided to participate in footballer Marcus Rashford’s campaign to get free school meals to kids during the half-term holiday.

He said: “The owners and the owner’s wife are working hard and the whole team’s pulling together on the back of Marcus Rashford’s good work.

“[The response] on socials has been positive, and it’s just about giving back really.

“In this day and age, there’s no kid that should go hungry at any point, so I think it’s a good thing to do.”

Verena Kennedy, the photographer of the event who also brought her child, speaks on her experience:

If you would like to join in the Halloween spirit, all you have to do is pre-book ahead of your visit.

Bookings can be made by giving Coal & Cotton a call on 0161 790 0944.