Hundreds of people headed to The Big Park in Peacehaven at the weekend for the first ever outdoor cinema screening.
A bicycle-powered screening of the 1960’s classic “The Italian Job” attracted the crowds and many volunteer cyclists on Saturday, September 19.
A few hundred visitors registered to watch the film screened by the innovative and environmentally friendly company Electric Pedals. The entire 90 minute film was powered by cycles and local residents pedaled hard and fast to keep the film running.
The screening took place on a dry, starry night with 300 paper lanterns illuminating the paths for visitors.
Christopher Bibb, Lewes District Council’s project manager said: “We put the call out to volunteers and local residents to come along and help pedal power the cinema with special bikes.
“The event caught the imagination of hundreds of people who came along to enjoy the free outdoor cinema.”
Councillor Andy Smith, Acting Leader of Lewes District Council and Project Board Chair of the Big Parks Project said: “It was a great evening. It was good to see so many local residents enjoying their new park.”
The event was sponsored by the South Downs National Park Authority as part of their free Discovery Rides programme. Not only was the film set against the backdrop of the South Downs, participants were encouraged to cycle to the event and leave their cars at home.
The council also wishes to thank Sustrans and Cycle Seahaven for running bike trains to and from the event, making it a great and sustainable and car-free event.
The Big Parks Project was set up to provide and improve outdoor and leisure facilities on an area of land given by Southern Water. It has been delivered by a project board comprising of Lewes District Council, Peacehaven Town Council, East Sussex County Council and Peacehaven Community School.
Electric Pedals design and build pedal-powered equipment for all sorts of applications. The equipment is available to hire for a range of events from bicycle powered cinema, music stages, energy engagements and workshops.
For more information, visit www.electricpedals.com.
For more information on the South Downs National Park Authority’s Discovery Rides programme, visit www.southdowns.gov.uk/enjoy/explore/cycling/discoveryrides.
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