Every year Eden Arts holds screenings of the cult classic movie Withnail & I at Sleddale Hall near Shap - the ‘star location’ of the film as ‘Crow Crag’, the Lake District cottage of Withnail’s Uncle Monty.
The first two Uncle Monty’s Summer Soirees of 2020 (on July 17/18) have already sold out but tickets for two additional dates, on July 10 and July 11, go on sale to the public tomorrow at 10am.
This is the ninth year Eden Arts’ Picnic Cinema screenings have taken place and they have become a cult event in their own right. Tickets sell out to mailing list subscribers minutes after they are released, and with a limited number available it is only a lucky few who get to go to the do.
In the past audience members have come from all corners of the globe, including Italy, Belgium, Singapore and with a couple in 2017 making the journey from San Francisco.
Adrian Lochhead, Director of Eden Arts, the organisation behind Picnic Cinema, said: “The whole event is a truly unique experience, and one of the best in the country.
“We pack so much into the events that the experience is much richer than simply going to an outdoor cinema. The crew are exceptional, friendly and helpful and by the end of the night everyone has made new friends, danced too much, and wants to return the following year.”
This year The Stopped Clock pub returns to Uncle Monty’s. Taking its name from one of the film’s famous quotes [“Even a stopped clock tells the right time twice a day”], The Stopped Clock is a bar like no other.
You won’t find the usual bar stools and pork scratchings, instead there are party bags containing badges and pencils and themed drinks such as ‘Rhesus Negative Bloody Mary’ and the appropriately named ‘Dark & Stormy’.
Making use of the old veg patch at the cottage, the bar overlooks Wet Sleddale Reservoir and even gives out free sherry to punters.
Much more than just an outdoor cinema screening, Uncle Monty’s Summer Soiree involves dressing up, camping over, and letting your hair down with a selection of games, quizzes and treats before settling down to a screening of the film.
Audience members are served themed food, including firm young carrots, beetroots and radishes (all nods to lines or costumes from the film).
Tickets to the event and film cost £48 (plus £2.88 booking fee). Tickets are limited to six per person.
Each ticket includes an evening meal, camping and parking. You can also buy tickets for optional morning-after vegetarian/vegan breakfasts for £6.50. Ticket holders can also book Belle Hotel luxury tents. Visit picniccinema.co.uk/withnail/ to book.
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