THE town’s biggest community event of a coronavirus-hit year rolled into Verdin Park over the weekend.

Northwich's first drive-in cinema event has been hailed a success after movie lovers flocked to see Grease and Back to the Future from the safety of their cars.

The event was put together by volunteers from Rotary in Northwich, Northwich Round Table and Ladies Circle – with help from Northwich Town Council – as a way to raise vital funds for charities that have missed out on support as usual town events were all called off due to Covid-19.

Rotarian Rupert Adams, who led the event's organisation, said: “It has not been easy to deliver safe and financially-viable charity events in this most difficult Covid year and even a fully-managed in-car event was always going to be a challenge.

“But it’s amazing what can be done if you involve the right people.

“Our job was made so much easier by the public following all the rules and we appreciate their tolerance whilst we dealt with technical issues.

"It’s clear that Northwich has a fantastic community spirit."

Projection equipment for the event was provided by Ilfracombe Round Table, which also sent two of its members up from Devon to help deliver the event.

Music duo UNE – made up of BBC presenter Mark Radcliffe and Paul Langley – had been due to perform ahead of each film screening.

Northwich Guardian:

UNE enjoy the event. Image: Andrew Perry

However, a delay in getting the equipment up from Ilfracombe on the Friday meant UNE's first performance could not go ahead.

But despite deteriorating weather, Grease was shown as planned, and the audience celebrated the ending with a hooting of horns and a flashing of lights.

And on Saturday, audiences enjoyed both UNE's performance and a screening of Back to the Future.

The organisers have not ruled out the drive-in event returning to Northwich in future.

Rupert said: "Ask us in a few months’ time after we’ve fully evaluated this event.

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"But if there’s the demand and we can deliver Covid-19 safe and viable future events we’ll certainly consider it."

Tom Robb, from Northwich Round Table, added: "People seemed to really enjoy the event and from the feedback we’ve received are keen to see it return in the future."