[M]uncaster Castle once again play host to the most unique cinema weekend in the county, with Picnic Cinema screening one of the best feel-good Aussie comedies of the 90s followed by a Coen Brothers indie classic.
Picnic Cinema return with their big screen to the iconic setting of Muncaster Castle, and set-up camp (literally) for the weekend of 10th & 11th August. Cinema goers have the rare opportunity to pitch their tents in the castle grounds and stay for a night or the whole weekend whilst exploring the castle grounds and enjoying the evenings entertainment.
Organised by Eden Arts, the team at Picnic Cinema have toured to the atmospheric setting each summer for the past 5 years. Screening cult classic and iconic movies, previous weekends have completely sold out, including screenings of The Rocky Horror Show, Labyrinth and Pulp Fiction.Far more than an outdoor cinema, the full Picnic Cinema experience includes dressing up, camping over, and letting your hair down. Fun and games before the film, music, dancing and many more surprises throughout the evening make up their iconic ‘cinema parties’ which over the years have garnered a cult like following.
Camping in the stunning grounds of Muncaster Castle means Picnic Cinema goers can enjoy Creeping Kate’s Cafe, serving bacon butties, tea, coffee and more from 8am. In the evening the Castle Bar opens with a pop up BBQ and a bar serving food and drink.
This years screenings are The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert (15) on Friday 10th August and The Big Lebowski (18) on Saturday 11th August.
Bryoney Cartlidge, Producer at Eden Arts commented ‘We love returning to Muncaster Castle year on year and the crowds never fail to impress with their fancy dress. Our screening of The Rocky Horror Show was a really memorable evening and we thought The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert would be the perfect fit for more flamboyant drag and fancy dress this year – and of course a great soundtrack with 80’s classics to mime along to all night!’
Winning an Academy Award for costume design, be prepared to showcase the very best Drag in your wardrobe with glam dresses, feathers and frills, heels, flip-flops and all. This film was MADE for Picnic Cinema!
The Coen brothers classic The Big Lebowski turns 20 this year and has inspired its own  festival and themed bars around the world. Channel your inner Dude with cardigans, dressing gowns and White Russians.
The Muncaster Castle Weekender boasts two nights of revelry, complete with the usual fun and games, on site BBQ and café, dancing and the chance to camp in the grounds of this iconic castle. You can choose to stay for the evening, a night or the whole weekend.
If camping isn’t your thing, there is the option to upgrade with belle tents provided by Belle Hotel. This gives you the option to turn up to a readymade tent, complete with a range of different furnishing options (booking info can be found on the Picnic Cinema website) and Muncaster Castle also provides onsite accommodation at the Coachman’s Quarters and nearby Pennington Hotel.
Visit www.picniccinema.co.uk for more info and tickets
Other events for 2018 include:
- Withnail & I (15) at Uncle Monty’s Cottage, Cumbria – Fri 13th July, Sat 14th July (sold out), Fri 20 July, Sat 21 July (sold out)
- Sergeant Majors Moonlight Howler f.t Dog Soldiers (15) at Hamsterley Forest, C. Durham – Fri 3rd August
- Chris & Tina’s Tupperware Party f.t Sightseers (15) at Lowther Castle, Penrith – Sat 4th August
- The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert (15) at Muncaster Castle, Cumbria – Fri 10th August
- The Big Lebowski (18) at Muncaster Castle, Cumbria – Sat 11th August
- Captain Picnics Hacienda House Party f.t 24 Hour Party People (18) at Kirklinton Hall, Carlisle – Saturday 18th August
- The Burlesque Ball f.t Moulin Rouge (12A) at Festival of Thrift, Teesside