10/08/22: Thetford to host free film screenings as part of summer events programme

Thetford will shortly host two days of free outside cinema screenings as part of a programme of activities which will also feature theatre performances at Thetford Priory.

Breckland Council has funded the Stage and Screen Summer 2022 programme, in partnership with Thetford Town Council, to bring together local communities, attract visitors to the town and support local businesses.

The series of events will kick off on Saturday 27 August, on the green of the Thetford Riverside complex, where a free outside cinema event will be showing Encanto (1pm), followed by Grease at 3:30pm and finally, The Greatest Showman at 6pm. On Sunday, 28 August Encanto returns at 1pm, followed by the Lion King (2019 version) at 3:30pm and Abba's Mamma Mia! at 6pm. Over both days, a range of street food vendors will be on hand for people to buy meals, including from Craig's da Flava, Roasty's, Bucket Fries, Pudding Shack, Dough and Co, Burger Amor, popcorn buckets from the Light Cinema and a massive street BBQ.

Everyone attending is invited to dress up, sing along, and enjoy the great food on offer. After the free cinema events on the Riverside green, Thetford Priory will be providing the magnificent backdrop for two outside theatre productions on 31 August and 1 September. Chapterhouse Theatre company will be performing Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and panto family favourite Cinderella. Over 600 people will be able to enjoy the shows over the two days.

Cllr Paul Claussen, Executive Member for Economic Development and Growth at Breckland Council, commented: "Our Stage and Screen Summer events will bring four fun-packed days of events to Thetford, displaying the best the town has to offer and bringing people together. It is part of our Thriving Places commitment, to support the district and its local businesses and ensure our towns are vibrant places to live and visit."

There is no need to book a space to attend the free outside cinema. The Thetford Priory shows are by ticket only and are selling fast, Romeo and Juliet has now sold out but some spaces remain available for Cinderella and can be purchased from www.chapterhouse.org (opens new window).