CHURCH OF FILMS
WHO doesn’t love a Christmas film. Well, how about a festive film screened in a cathedral to really get you in the Christmas spirit? Cathedrals across the country are opening their doors to cinema audiences with festive films including everything from The Muppet Christmas Carol and Home Alone to It’s A Wonderful Life.
In the Midlands, screenings will be taking in Derby and Coventry Cathedrals in December.
The idea is part of an increasing trend in recent years exploring different uses of cathedral spaces; these have included a helterskelter in Norwich Cathedral and a crazy golf course at Rochester Cathedral.
Presented by QUAD, Derby’s centre for art, film and digital media, the festive screenings will celebrate cathedrals as places of gathering for the season.
Dr Alex Rock, QUAD’s head of technical and commercial services, said: “QUAD is proud to be working alongside these special heritage spaces this Christmas.
“Our big screens are often used for outdoor screenings in summer and working alongside cathedrals during Advent provides us with an opportunity to celebrate the season in style, with a warm welcome for all.
“We hope the screenings bring new audiences into the cathedrals, and we’re looking forward to plenty more film screenings in cathedrals for years to come.”
The Very Rev John Witcombe, Dean of Coventry, added: “Here at Coventry Cathedral we are no strangers to offering something different to what is expected in a Cathedral.
“From our family raves to dining clubs, art installations and concerts from the likes of The Specials, Rufus Wainwright and Mogwai. Christmas is a special time of year that brings families together from all sides of the world in a time of magic and wonder, no matter their faith.
“Film is a universal language that we are delighted to include in our Christmas programme, especially with the brilliant team at QUAD.”
Derby Cathedral has two screenings on Saturday, December, 21, with The Muppet Christmas Carol (U) at 3.30pm and Home Alone (PG) at 6.30pm. Doors will be open 30 minutes beforehand.
Coventry Cathedral has two screenings on Friday, December 20 – The Muppet Christmas Carol (U) at 3.30pm and It’s A Wonderful Life (U) at 6.30pm. Doors will be open 30 minutes beforehand.
■ Tickets for the screenings are £11, £9 Concessions, fromderbyquad.co.uk/ cathedrals, 01332 290606.