Coraline (Outside Screening in City Park, Bradford)

Having watched the new James Bond film ‘Skyfall’ in the warmth of Cineworld and then warmed up with some pizza with friends, it was time to wrap up warm and head to the outside showing of Coraline in the City Park. A huge inflatable screen – one that came down very quickly as we warmed up after in the Turl’s Green – looked impressive in the park and there was a good turnout considering the cold of the night. Thankfully, there was a stall selling hot chocolate and sweets and was, surprisingly, reasonably priced, though it would be nice if they did it again in summer (contrast of the screen depending) to be able to enjoy a pint with the film, if park regulations allow it.

After several animated shorts (we were late to the party but only saw one, a funny and touching tale about a tiger and its cub in a circus) we got the main film, and it was an experience to watch it live outside even in the temperature. I always forget how weird the film is, especially for a kids film, and wondered how many would be retiring home that night a little bit creeped out by the weird characters, monstrous other-mother and the general surreal feel to the piece. It’s an enjoyable film, though, just rather wacky but fitting in with the hallowe’en theme.

The experience of watching it was good. There could have been more seats to sit on in the park – we had to resort to sitting on the edge of the mirror pool – and the sound was perhaps a little too low, but it was a great experience and one I’m glad I went to and, following on from the garden of light, shows that Bradford Council are doing some interesting things with their new park and I hope this will continue. All they need to do now is convert the Odeon into the entertainments venue proposed and then we’ll truly have a thriving entertainment hub in the form of the park, theatres and food and drink venues.

On the night there was security around to keep the place under control, but there were few distractions considering it was a Saturday night, and there was a good mix of Bradfordians of all ages come to see the film.

Here’s hoping for a repeat at Christmas with a festive film – but perhaps with some more patio heaters!