Arts group given funding for free cinema screening

Homes England awarded Northstowe Arts CIC £7,500 to put on the event in Northstowe

Thousands of pounds have been awarded to an arts organisation for a free community cinema screening of The Greatest Showman in one of Britain's newest towns .

Homes England awarded Northstowe Arts CIC £7,500 to put on the event in Western Park, Cambridgeshire, on Saturday, coinciding with the town's running festival.

The feature-length film will be followed by a public showing of Northstowe Neighbours, a film about living in the town.

Mari O’Neill, the director of Northstowe Arts CIC, hoped funding would help make the event "memorable" and promote the use of the local facilities.

Ms O’Neill said: "This funding will go some way to support our collaboration with the Northstowe Running Festival, enabling us to deliver a memorable event that helps strengthen community bonds.

"We look forward to seeing families and friends gather for this special summer cinema experience."

Northstowe has about 3,000 residents but there are plans to increase this number to 25,000 over the next two decades.

The showing of Northstowe Neighbours aims to celebrate community spirit and document the real lives of people making the major residential-led development their home.

The decision on which film to watch beforehand was voted for via a social media poll.

South Cambridgeshire District Council will administer the fund on behalf of Homes England to cover equipment hire, technical delivery, safety measures, and promotional activities.

Dean Harris, Senior Planning and Enabling Manager at Homes England, said: We’re committed to supporting community-led initiatives in Northstowe, and this outdoor cinema event is a fantastic opportunity for residents to come together and enjoy a free family event."