A couple of weeks ago we were invited to a Sundown Cinema screening at Stockwood Discovery Centre and decided to bring Mum's Guide to Dunstable with us, if you're looking for a memorable family outing that combines the magic of movies with the beauty of the outdoors, then look no further than Sundown Cinema!
We were really lucky with the weather, as it was blue skies and sunshine all day so we brought a little picnic and some blankets with us, although you could hire comfy looking beanbags on the day. The screens were set up in a big open area amongst the lush greenery of Stockwood Discovery Centre with a good few trees to help with some shade.
From the moment we arrived, the Sundown Cinema team made us feel welcome. The staff were not only friendly but also incredibly helpful, guiding us to the area and ensuring we had everything we needed to enjoy the show. They also went the extra mile to get some antiseptic wipes for my nephew who had fallen over on his way into the park!
One of the standout features of the event was the option to hire bean bags. These comfy seats looked like a game-changer... seriously regretting our choices and will be getting them next time! Additionally, Sundown Cinema had thought of everything to keep the little ones entertained. You could buy bubbles for the kids, which added an extra layer of fun as they ran around, giggling and chasing the floating orbs before the movie started.
The highlight of the day was, of course, the movie itself. We watched Super Mario Bros: The Movie, and it was a hit with the entire family. Watching Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach on the big screen brought back waves of nostalgia for the adults, while the kids were completely captivated by the colorful characters and action-packed storyline. The open-air setting gave the film a new dimension, making it feel like we were part of the adventure.
The entire event was exceptionally well-organized. From the smooth check-in process to the timely start of the movie, everything ran like clockwork. The Sundown Cinema team clearly knows how to put on a show, and their attention to detail did not go unnoticed. Even the sound and picture quality, often a concern at outdoor screenings, were top-notch.
Our experience with Sundown Cinema at Stockwood was nothing short of fantastic. It was a well-run event with a welcoming atmosphere, comfortable seating, and thoughtful touches that made the evening special for both kids and adults. If you're looking for a fun, family-friendly outing, Sundown Cinema is an excellent choice. We’re already looking forward to our next open air movie!
Sundown Cinema are still screening at Hitchin Lavender and Russell Park (Bedford) this month, check out the website to see when you can catch the next movie here: https://sundowncinema.co.uk/