March 03, 2008

North Shore City Council's free programme of Open Air Moonlight Movies has proved a hit with residents across the city this summer.

It is estimated over 11,000 locals have attended the 12 free outdoor movie screenings that have taken place across our city to date.

Despite three screenings being weather threatened, and as many cancelled due to wind and rain, the public response has been resoundingly positive says North Shore City Council's events spokesperson Francis Martin.

North Shore City Council's website has received more hits for Moonlight Movies than any other single event or issue over the past two months.

There have been few issues, with those attending practicing a healthy respect for others and the city's parks.

"It's been really nice to see so many people of all ages getting out and enjoying these films," says Mayor Andrew Williams.

Actionline, the council's contact centre, has reported high caller interest in the movies and logged overwhelmingly positive feedback from the public for this programme.

Thus far, Saturday night screenings at Browns Bay Beach Reserve and Fort Takapuna have netted the largest audiences with around 2,000 people attending each of those.

With nine exciting screenings still to go between now and April 5, the North Shore City Council events team are hoping for more settled weather so they can get big audiences in Takapuna and Northcote.

Open Air Cinema Ltd owner and operator Urs Baur, believes North Shore City is just the third city worldwide after New York and Paris to offer residents such a high quality and comprehensive free-to-all outdoor film programme.

The attached photograph is from Friday night's screening at Collins Park in Greenhithe where it is estimated around 500 turned up to enjoy action film The Bourne Ultimatum.

To view the movie schedule, as well as video film trailers and location information, please visit www.northshorecity.govt.nz key word: Moonlight Movies.

ENDS

© Scoop Media