An immersive drive-in cinema has returned to EventCity in time for the May bank holiday weekend.
SecretCity features live entertainment, local gourmet vendors, a fully-licensed bar (for those not driving), and plenty of photo ops for moviegoers at its site near the Trafford Centre.
This is not the first time that Park N Party has brought SecretCity to Manchester, but the event has been revamped and is so much more than just a drive-in movie theatre.
Each night at the secret garden-themed location you’ll find live performances which are tailored to the film being shown, making the event a fully-immersive experience from the comfort of your four wheels.
SecretCity presents sing-a-long classics such as Grease and Mamma Mia, family-friendly flicks like Mulan and Scoob!, and adult-only features such as Pineapple Express and The Lodge. An alfresco beer garden and picnic area means that you don’t need to stay in your car to enjoy a Covid-compliant night out.
The films will be played on the UK’s largest outdoor LED high-definition screens and visitors will be able to tune-in to the sound via their car radios. SecretCity also has a state-of-the-art sound system, so you can set-up with blankets and camping chairs with your friends or take advantage of the outdoor bar without missing any of the action.
The organisers of the event ask visitors to keep to their social bubble within cars, but you needn’t miss out on socialising with your friends. If they are in another car, just make sure you and your friends are in the queue together. When you come to SecretCity in a convoy just let the parkers know you want to sit next to each other and they will arrange for you to be in the same place.
Visitors in the past have created their own seating areas by putting deckchairs and blankets out, and although food is available to buy you are welcome to bring your own. Dogs are also welcome, but just make sure that your four-legged friend is okay with loud noises first!
What else is at SecretCity?
Before the film starts there will be live DJ sets and musicians. Once the film begins circus performers and acrobats will entertain you throughout the evening.
Aside from the live performances and films, there will also be themed photo-op areas, multiple refreshment sites, and on-site toilets. If it is dark enough at the end of the film you can sit back and enjoy a laser light show.
To celebrate the bank holiday weekend, SecretCity will be hosting a costume competition when it shows Mamma Mia on Sunday, May 2. The Winner Takes It All if they turn up to SecretCity in their best ABBA outfit.
A Park N Party spokeswoman said: “The event is already much bigger and more exciting than last year. We plan to ramp it up and make it bigger and bigger. We want everyone to dress up for the bank holiday and have a good time.
“We have a lot of people that come and don’t even watch the film. They just want to enjoy everything else.
“It’s about coming together and seeing people and enjoying your time together. It’s more of an experience than a drive-in cinema.”
If you are feeling peckish you can indulge in plenty of tasty treats. Movie and carnival classics such as popcorn, burgers, hotdogs, and loaded fries will be on offer, as well as mouth-watering sweet grazing boxes and Greek food such as gyros and halloumi wraps. Vegan, vegetarian, and halal options are available.
Covid-guidelines allowing, SecretCity hope to welcome visitors on foot and are planning to erect a 300-capacity amphitheatre that will also allow for social distancing.
Safety procedures such as contactless payments and a two-metre distance between cars will be in place. Tickets are available now through Park N Party Manchester’s SecretCity website and cost £35 a car.
Full list of dates and films at SecretCity
Thursday, April 29 at 20:30: Dirty Dancing (12)
Friday, April 30 at 21:00: Insidious (15)
Saturday, May 1 at 16:00: Scoob! (PG)
Saturday, May 1 at 20:00: Coming 2 America (12)
Sunday, May 2 at 16:00: Mulan (2020- 12A)
Sunday, May 2 at 20:00: Mamma Mia (PG)
Monday, May 3 at 16:00: The Greatest Showman (PG)
Monday, May 3 at 20:30: Bohemian Rhapsody (12A)
Wednesday, May 5 at 20:30: Superbad (15)
Thursday, May 6 at 20:30: Black Box (15)
Friday, May 7 at 21:00: The Conjuring (15)
Saturday, May 8 at 16:00: Mulan (2020- 12A)
Saturday, May 8 at 20:00: The Lodge (18)
Sunday, May 9 at 16:00: The Greatest Showman (PG)
Sunday, May 9 at20:00: Pineapple Express (18)
Buy your tickets for Park N Party’s SecretCity at www.parknpartymcr.co.uk/secret-city