North West Leicestershire District Council is planning a series of cinema events after the success of its summer showings.

Coalville's Cinema in the Park had a great reaction after attracting thousands of movie fans.

More than 6,000 people across all generations attended the 10-day event in Coalville Park, organised by North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) working with the Fleckney Group.

Free showings of 30 much-loved films over ten days included Disney classics such as Aladdin and The Lion King, musicals, and the ever-popular Harry Potter movies.

Now the council is planning cinema events for the future, including drive-in cinemas at Christmas and Easter, as well as another 'Cinema in the Park' event next summer.

The first film bonanza was part of the council's activities for 2021 Love Parks Week and made innovative use of the Government's Welcome Back Fund, which was designed to help boost footfall in towns following the Covid-19 pandemic.

This funding allowed the council to completely subsidise the tickets, which were all free.

Almost everyone attending Cinema in the Park (99 per cent) in late July and early August said they would attend a similar event in the future, with 84 per cent of people rating eight out of ten or above.

Comments included:

• "I thought it was excellent. Very well run. Couldn't fault anything and thoroughly enjoyed every evening we attended. Atmosphere was great. Thank you."

• "Loved the atmosphere, would definitely go again. Thank you."

• "It brought so many people together creating a wonderful happy atmosphere, when we have been through a very difficult year."

• "Really enjoyed this free event! I liked the mix of films, some for adults and some for younger children. Very good!"

Councillor Tony Gillard, Portfolio Holder for Business and Regeneration at North West Leicestershire District Council, said: "This was a great opportunity to encourage people back to Coalville and enjoy our wonderful park, which is a great community facility.

"Using the government funding in this way enabled us to subsidise the event fully, making it free for everyone.

"Coalville is a vibrant, family-friendly town and we were really pleased that Cinema in the Park attracted so many people.

"After receiving such excellent feedback form the public, we're now making plans to bring cinema events to Coalville in the future."