A community-run open air cinema needs to raise £2,000 to ensure that outdoor movie screenings continue in Thanet.

The Cliftonville Outdoor Cinema has three showings planned on Saturday nights throughout the summer with the first two in June and July already fully booked.

Film lovers can watch classic films for free - including Grease and Sister Act - in the project run by GRASS Cliftonville (Gordon Road Area Street Scheme) at The Oval Gardens on Queen’s Promenade.

But in order for more pictures to be screened, organisers say they need to raise £2,000 to make the project sustainable.

“We are still fundraising as you can imagine getting the movie licenses and permissions can be expensive and we really want to make the cinema events accessible to the whole community,” said Stephen Darrer, secretary for GRASS.

“The cinema is planning to go ahead as planned and the permissions are in place for the Oval bandstand.

“It’s great to be using such a fantastic community space and we are delighted to make use of this underused space.

“The public can support us via our Gofundme campaign or even by supporting us via Thanet Lotto.

“Any donations help our team of volunteers deliver these community events.

“We are always on the lookout for corporate sponsors that can offer financial support to help GRASS continue the work it does in our community so if any businesses can help us out we would be grateful.

“We want to bring the whole community together, to eat popcorn and enjoy the atmosphere of an outdoor cinematic experience.”

The group of volunteers aims to improve the quality of life for residents in the neighbourhood.

The first screening - Grease on June 15 - is already full with seats booked up in less than 24 hours and tickets for the second event of the year, Sister Act on July 6, selling out this week.

The film to be shown at the third event on August 17 will be decided by a public poll online.

Residents can sign up for ticket news and release information via grasscliftonville.org/cliftonville-outdoor-cinema

Volunteers to run the cinema evenings are required.

• Anyone who can help with ushering can contact Mr Darrer by email at secretary@grasscliftonville.org

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