An oldie but a goodie. There’s no other way to describe The Holiday. It’s a Christmas classic that never disappoints. So when we got the chance to watch it under the stars at the Moonlight Cinema in Centennial Park, we were there with bells on! Leaning back on our bright purple bean bags, the big pink Moonlight screen matching the colour of the sky as the sun set over Centennial Park fig trees, cocktail in hand, nibbles at the ready, there’s just one thought that comes to mind. The Moonlight Cinema is definitely an oldie but a goodie.
Lighting up park spaces around the country (Sydney, Western Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth), the start of the Moonlight Cinema season is always synonymous with summer in our books. This year, the outdoor cinema’s season will run through to April, depending on location. Sydney’s sessions will kick on until April 3rd, taking over the gorgeous green Belvedere Amphitheatre with a range of classics like Love Actually, Dirty Dancing and 10 Things I Hate About You. The outdoor theatre lends itself perfectly to an evening under the stars – either on the tiered grass rises that are taken over by AAMI Gold Grass (hello best seat in the house!) or on the sloped grass in front and behind.
So what’s a movie without snacks?! This year there’s Parlour Lane Fiesta, a Mexican food truck serving up fun picnic-friendly dishes. We’re into our nachos well before lights out (or should we say sundown). They go down a treat with a tipple or two from the Tia Maria Platinum Experience (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth), a pop up bar that’s got mixologists at the ready! You’ll get to try the new Tia Maria Matcha, in a creamy Tia Maria Matcha-tini that eases you into the night, or go classic with Tia Espresso Martini that will get you through the night if it’s been a long day.
Our old favourite the Connoisseur Lounge is back, where you can reserve a bean bag and a Connoisseur Gourmet Ice Cream, but as always, if you’re all about the picnic life this season, BYO picnic blanket, hamper and cushions and find a patch of grass to make your own.
Speaking of BYO, one of the real beauties of Moonlight Cinema is that you can pack as much or as little as you want. Bring a few drinks, grab some popcorn and call it a night, or pack your bubbles, your blankets, your cheese platters, your takeaway… your bed pillow. The choice is yours.
Of course, we packed our favourite movie buddy, the fur baby. Some Moonlight Cinemas are pet friendly and this year they’ve got the option to rent their own bean bag bed for themselves, and they’ve even got their own sponsorship partner. K9 Natural is on hand with a few dog snack samples!
Speaking of samples, make sure you swing by the Garnier Garden Cart popping up in November. The cinema’s official ‘Green Partner’, Garnier is helping ensure the outdoor cinema is carbon offset and has a few fab samples like hair masks and face masks for guests to try.
Whether you’re in the mood for a sing–long (yes that’s right!), a new release, an action number or an old classic, make sure the Moonlight Cinema is top of your to-do list this summer.
Moonlight Cinema
https://www.moonlight.com.au/
