Online buzz for Masterton drive-in movie

Film - Grease ROT 1nov05 - John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John HBT 25feb06 - TIM 21feb08 - HBT 19apr08 - NZH 23aug08 - NZH 31Jul10 - DUO: Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta set the bar

More than 1000 prospective cinema-goers have raised their hands on social media for a front seat view at an inaugural drive-in movie event in Masterton this weekend.

Drive-In Movies Wairarapa spokesman Damien Pivac said a drive-in screen and space will operate at the Solway Showgrounds this weekend, courtesy of Firefly Cinemas, and will include the screening on Friday of the Jim Henson movie, Labyrinth, and on Saturday the 1978 romantic musical, Grease.

He said spaces for more than 60 cars had been pre-sold for Labyrinth, the screening of which is a nod to late star of the film, David Bowie, and more than 100 spaces had been pre-sold for cars for Grease, starring Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta.

He said there had also been strong interest shown on social media for the weekend events but tickets were limited.

"We will be offering gates sales on the night and with 1.2k interested people on Facebook we encourage people to arrive early so they don't miss out."

Tickets for a single vehicle, carrying up to eight people, cost $30 each and smaller vehicles will be situated closer to the screen, while larger vehicles will be placed in the back rows.

"The forecast for both Friday and Saturday this weekend is set to be 28 degrees.

"We're feeling pretty happy with these numbers and thanks to the Wairarapa community for making it a success already."

Mr Pivac said there would be four food vendors on site for both screenings this weekend though families were also welcome to bring their own food, fizzy drinks and popcorn.

Gates open at 7pm with movies starting at dusk, he said.