Making the most of all of Bradford’s most attractive and iconic venues for its Year of Culture, this was the turn of Ilkley Lido – the stunning art deco pool and café, built in the 1930s. Ambitiously billed as an immersive experience, this had a range of side shows and attractions to augment the main event – a screening of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – a cult musical set in Yorkshire.
Attendees were encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and picnics though, in the event, there was plenty of food and seating for those who forgot. A warm welcome was received from sequin-clad mermaid-like ladies on roller skates and the pool area had been enhanced with the addition of enormous, metallic unicorn sculptures and luminous fish – this was no ordinary evening.
In spite of the rather less than balmy conditions, a pre-show swim was being enjoyed by a surprising number of the audience and luckily there was a reasonable range of refreshment stands, serving hot drinks – Yorkshire tea of course – as well as popcorn, cold drinks and Indian style snacks. There was even an opportunity to dress up in some film-themed accessories and to have a little bit of glitter applied to ensure that you sparkled.
A decent sized screen with a powerful sound system ensured that the film could be enjoyed by all. The mid-screening film breakdown, added a little nostalgia – reminiscent of a reel change, but it was dealt with quickly and efficiently.
Undoubtedly, this was a fun evening and luckily for the organisers, no rain fell, the midges didn’t bite too much and the film was a great choice!
The next screening, on 23rd August, is of Sexy Beast – could well be a fun night out!
