Film Event: The Winter Night Garden at Backyard Cinema, Winterville

If you hadn't guessed already from my previous posts, Backyard Cinema is pretty much where it's at for me at the moment. This time, I popped along to Winterville on Clapham Common for a chance to check out their incredible Winter Night Garden and a screening of Edward Scissorhands (Tim Burton, 1990).

If you haven't heard of Backyard Cinema yet, you are no film fan. Created by movie lovers, for movie lovers, BYC provide immersive movie experiences in a relaxed, unique cinema setting. Following the success of their Miami Beach, Lost World Jungle and Snow Kingdom, they've created an edition site on Clapham Common inside Winterville. Of course, Winterville is essentially what I consider to be Winer Wonderland for hipsters. In keeping with the Christmas season, The Winter Night Garden* is screening a whole host of festive classics such as Elf, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Home Alone and many more. Eager to get as many Christmas screenings as possible, Jack and I went along to check it out. 

Having killed a few hours exploring Winterville's many foodie stalls and amusement rides (not in that order), it was time to enter The Winter Night Garden. Tickets in hand, we ventured in to a wardrobe, through a woodland of fairy lights and in to the (in-door) garden. Once there, we were taken to our seats and, naturally, directed to the bar - stocked up with a range of drinks and cinema treats. One thing I thought was a particularly nice touch was the 'gingertinis' which come served in a gorgeous gingerbread man glass bottle. As someone who isn't a drinker - these were surprisingly delicious though, had me quite tipsy after just a few sips. Paired with a mince pie or two, I was feeling very Christmassy indeed.

Now, I do have some tips when visiting this particular Backyard Cinema venue. Whilst it may be freezing outside in Winterville, the Winter Night Garden comes with glorious heating, so there's no need to wrap up once inside. In fact, it can get quite warm in there. And so, I'd recommend wearing layers that you can easily remove. Secondly, it's worth getting there early. Whilst there was obviously a queue to get in, it moves super quickly once doors open and you're allocated seats which means there's no panic once you get inside. However, I'd say it's worth getting there early to make the most of your experience; get yourself some snacks and a few drinks and just enjoy your surroundings. Take it all in before getting comfy and enjoying the film.

I know I say this every time I go but the Backyard Cinema guys really have hit the nail on the head. As with The Snow Kingdom, I was just in awe of the level of detail that went in to creating such a beautiful atmosphere; even down to the pre-film clips of White Christmas. There was even a sneaky little surprise 'special effect' mid-way through the film. I just found the whole event to be so romantic and charming. Maybe I'm just an absolute sucker for a theme but what more could you possibly want from a date night? And I cannot wait to see what magic they come up with next. 

A huge thanks again to the guys at Backyard Cinema once again for having us for the evening. There really is no better way to enjoy a film and I cannot recommend it enough. If you'd like to check out the Winter Night Garden or any of the BYC events, you can purchase tickets from their website here. But tell me, have you visited Backyard Cinema yet? Where is your favourite place to see a film? As always, I love reading your comments so please do leave me lots of lovely ones down below.

Until next time film fans, 

*Disclaimer - As a Backyard Cinema blogger, I own a BYC Gold Card. As always, all opinions are my own and do not reflect that of the brand.