FILM fans will be able to enjoy Colchester’s drive-in cinema for longer after organisers unveiled plans to run it for another 18 months.

Nightflix wants permission to use the former Sainsbury’s site in Stanway for its movie events.

The firm held a successful Winter Food and Film Wonderland event with a 60ft by 40ft giant screen back in December.

And despite a few hiccups which meant the events were cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, the organisers are keen to bring a host of film-themed events to viewers this year.

Events manager Ben Stonehouse said: “We had a really good Christmas event and lots of great feedback.

“Everyone really enjoyed it. We did have some difficulties with the weather but we had positive feedback that we handled it really well.

“We are now working on a better structure for the screen which can withstand strong winds and it can go ahead every time.”

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

The firm wants to apply to Colchester Council to allow it to use the site for 18 months.

Mr Stonehouse added: “We are hoping to do a lot more on the site before construction work begins on Tollgate Village.”

For Valentines Day organisers will be showing Grease and Dirty Dancing on February 13 and Beauty & the Beast and The Notebook on February 14.

They are remaining tight lipped on the details of other furture events, however, a planning application submitted suggests Roman themed events could be on the cards.

“We have really exciting things coming up all through the summer, through October and then again at Christmas,” Mr Stonehouse said.

“We have some different events which are going to be happening dependent on planning.”

Mr Stonehouse believes the drive-in cinema craze, which originated in America, will be a success in the UK.

He said: “It is a relatively new concept for the whole of the UK. “When people go to a multiplex cinema people are expecting more from their experience. I don’t think they are getting it and we are trying to fill the gap.

“People can enjoy old school films and new films.”

Mr Stonehouse said the firm had “lots of exciting plans”.

“He added: “We want to do food deliveries to your car, where you order off an app.”

“We want to make it cosy so you don’t have to even move.”