Open air movie night is a hit

(back row) Jay Carter and Sadie Carter, and (front from left) Mikayla Hall, 15, Jessica Wiese, 15, and Ella-Rose Carter, 10, at the Winter Fest - Open Air Movie night on Wharf Street. Photo / Andrew Warner

Rugged up warm in their winter woollies, up to 400 people settled in for a free family movie night at the Wharf Street Dining Precinct on Saturday,

Mainstreet Tauranga Manager Sally Cooke said an estimated 350-400 people attended the inaugural open air movie night which screened the 2007 computer-animated Disney film Ratatouille as part of the Winter Festival.

"We're delighted with the turnout and the weather couldn't have been kinder to us as it wasn't as cold as we expected.

"People rugged up warm and some brought their own bean bags and rugs. It was a great night.

"It was really nice seeing people enjoying the show. It was a lovely affair."

Local dance group Inspire provided pre-movie entertainment.

Ms Cooke said the movie night also gave some of Wharf St cafes and businesses the opportunity to sell food to some of the people going to the movie, which was well received.

The open air movie night was part of the eight-week programme of planned winter festival events put on by Mainstreet Tauranga.

"Based on the success of Saturday's movie event we will definitely consider holding another one," Ms Cooke said.