Mixed reviews for outlet’s inaugural drive-in cinema

Hundreds of film fans filled the Ashford Designer Outlet for the centre’s first drive-in cinema club.

Popular children’s movie Up and hit musical Grease were shown at the mall in Kimberley Way on Thursday and Friday evenings last week.

The films were shown on a big inflatable screen provided by Urban Entertainment, the UK’s leading supplier of inflatable cinema screens, and viewers listened through their car’s stereo.

However, some guests were left disappointed due to the restricted viewing, and complained to the centre.

One viewer, who asked for a refund, said: “Will say we were very disappointed! Could not get into the film as there were posts and signs in the way of the screen.

“I think the only bit we enjoyed was when everyone was bibbing just before the film started!

“I think it’s a really good idea but the location was terrible! We ended up leaving a quarter way through the film!”

Another said they could only see a quarter of the screen, add- ing: “Four people carriers parked in front of us!

“We’re in a Corsa. Surely people in big cars should park near the back, they have the advantage of height at least!”

Another unhappy customer described the event as an “absolute joke” and said they tried to leave but “due to the poor organisation” they were boxed in and therefore had to wait until the film was over.

The Outlet has now agreed to give refunds to anyone who was unhappy with their experience.

A spokesman said: “Due to a fantastic response to the drivein cinema event, McArthurGlen Ashford Designer Outlet did experience an overcrowding within the centre.

“Ashford Designer Outlet would like to offer our apologies to guests who were not able to enjoy the event as anticipated and will be offering a full refund to those customers.

“Please email our customer services team on customerservice@ashforddesigneroutlet. com with your name, reference number and email address on the ticket for further assistance.”

What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@ thekmgroup.co.uk

Picture: Chris Davey FM3988240/ FM3988206 Selina Thorley, Claire Thorley, Trish Parsons and Claire Trice enjoy a pizza before the show; Abbie, 12, Caitlin, 15, and Penny and Martin Smith

Picture: Chris Davey FM3988238 Ian Elkington-Brown and daughter Eleanor, 17, with their 1956 Vauxhall Velox

Picture: Chris Davey FM3988223 Georgia Hilden, nine, enjoying some popcorn

Picture: Chris Davey FM3988218 Tilly Garratt, 10, Sam Williams and sister Beth, 13

Picture: Chris Davey FM3988212 Donna Golding, Annie Golding, 16, and Ellie Crew, 16, enjoying the film

Picture: Chris Davey FM3988233 Morgan Wagstaff, 12 dressed for the part