Movies in the great outdoors

What better way to enjoy a movie than on a big screen among the grapevines with an autumn sunset as the backdrop. The Vines Village is organising its second big screen movie event on Saturday March 24, this time showing Disney Pixar’s Moana. Owner Jeff Fulton said the previous screening on March 10 had been ‘‘an amazing night’’ with 120 people sitting down to enjoy the show. ‘‘It’s an incredible screen actually and the vibe it creates with the vineyards and the sun setting is quite unique.’’

He said the opportunity to watch a movie outdoors on a big screen was special in Blenheim, as no one else offered anything similar.

‘‘Our space works really well, we have a full BBQ on the night and a wine bar.’’

Fulton said they were ‘‘testing the market’’ with these two screenings to see if there was an appetite for outdoor movies.

If so, he said they would be looking into organising more events.

‘‘There’s a lot of work that goes into these nights.’’

He said the timing of the events during harvest worked well as there were ‘‘a lot of harvest widows out there’’.

Fulton recommended people to dress warm as the March evenings were a bit colder.

‘‘Bring a low chair, beanbag, sleeping bag and dress warmly.

‘‘Bouncy castles will be available for the little ones.’’

The movie would start at 8pm and finish at about 9:45pm, which made the evening more suitable for children over the age of eight.

Moana is an animated adventure featuring a brave heroine embarking on a risky voyage to save her people, with the help of demigod Maui.

Tickets are $15 for adults, which includes a glass of Whitehaven wine, and $7.50 for children under 14.

Gates open at 6pm with wine, craft beer, platters and gourmet BBQ available. No BYO. Tickets available via eventbrite.co.nz.

If the event has to be cancelled due to bad weather, it’ll be announced on the Vines Village Facebook page by 4pm on the day.