Outdoor cinema returns to the Arts Centre

The Arts Centre’s beautifully restored North Quad will be transformed into an outdoor movie theatre on Friday night for the first of Leighs Construction Summer Cinema series.

Enjoy outdoor cinema in the North Quad of the Arts Centre.

Held on second of Friday of the month over summer, the Leighs Construction Summer Cinema series gets under way with two Christmas movies - The Muppet Christmas Carol at 5.30pm on Friday, followed by Love Actually at 8pm.

A gold coin donation from movie goers will be appreciated and will go directly towards the Arts Centre restoration programme. As an independent charitable trust, the Arts Centre is relying on donations, gifts and sponsorship to hit its restoration completion date of 2019.

Arts Centre Chief Executive Andre Lovatt said offering outdoor cinema was a wonderful way to welcome people back to enjoy the Arts Centre’s unique heritage environment.

“The Arts Centre is here for the community and we want to give people plenty of good reasons to come back and see the terrific progress that’s taking place,’’ Mr Lovatt said.

“One building that’s visible from the North Quad is West Lecture on Rolleston Ave, which Leighs Construction has just started restoring. From 2018, West Lecture will house two boutique cinemas, so it’s really fitting that Leighs Construction has chosen to support this year’s outdoor movie season.

Leighs Construction Managing Director Anthony Leighs is thrilled to be sponsoring the cinema series.

“It’s great to be working on-site at the Arts Centre, restoring this beautiful heritage building. We’re proud to be part of the rebuild of the city, and also to be able to support fantastic initiatives such as summer cinema. It’s all part of what makes Christchurch such a great city to live and work in,’’ Mr Leighs said.

Future movies will be announced one month prior to screening at www.artscentre.org.nz, with the confirmed dates being January 13, February 10 and March 10.

Space in the North Quad is limited to be sure to arrive early to secure a spot and avoid disappointment. Food and drink will be available for purchase but no alcohol is permitted. Please bring something to sit on – rugs are to be used on the grassed areas while deck chairs can be used on paved surfaces.