Time to have fun at the drive-in again | Bay of Plenty News | Local News in Bay of Plenty

A time lapse camera recording construction of the new TECT Arena at Baypark Stadium has led to the creation of a new drive-in movie festival.

Baypark business manager Karen Gemmell said staff had been toying with the idea of staging a drive-in movie festival using a small 16m screen. But when renowned national film buff Ant Timpson viewed the online time lapse camera he had a better idea.

The Aucklander, who is responsible for staging the Incredibly Strange Film Festival and 48 Hours Furious Film-making competition, suggested the outside wall of the TECT Arena be used as a movie screen instead.

"Thanks to his vision, we have been able to secure sponsorship for a special Panasonic projector enabling us to project a huge 30m screen on to the wall of the new TECT Arena," she says.

Over the next five nights, a series of classic films will be enjoyed by people from the comfort of their vehicles.

Classic cars, burgers, popcorn and waitresses on roller skates will all help recreate an authentic 1950s and 1960s drive-in movie experience.

Ms Gemmell says girls from the Mount Militia Roller Derby club will help serve vehicles from the snack bar, bringing added fun and entertainment.

People will be able to tune into the movie's soundtrack through an FM radio.

They are welcome to bring sleeping bags, blankets and outdoor chairs along with their iPods or Walkmans if they want o sit in front of their cars instead.

The festival kicked off last night with the Elvis Presley classic Viva Las Vegas.

A different genre will feature each night, with a double billing on Friday and Sunday nights.

Baypark hopes to make the drive-in movie festival an annual event.

For more information and ticket details visit www.baypark.co.nz

Baypark Drive-in Movie Festival Programme:

Thursday: Sci-fi thriller Tron Legacy at 7:30pm (gates open 6:30pm, vehicle access closes at 7:15pm)

Friday: Jaws at 6:30pm (gates open at 5:30pm, vehicle access closes at 6:15pm) followed by George Romero's Dawn of the Dead at 10pm (gates open 9:30pm, vehicle access closes at 9:40pm).

Saturday: Goodbye Pork Pie at 7:30pm (gates open 6:30pm, vehicle access closes at 7:15pm)

Sunday: ET - The Extra Terrestrial at 6pm (gates open 5pm, vehicle access closes at 5:45pm) followed by Robo Cop at 9:30pm (gates open 9pm, vehicle access closes at 9:15pm)

Monday: The Goonies at 7:30pm (gates open 6:30pm, vehicle access closes at 7:15pm)