FILM fans will be able to enjoy a selection of cartoon classics under the moonlight this weekend as a free outdoor cinema event returns to Droitwich and Pershore for the second year running. 

Paddington will be screened at 8pm at Abbey Park in Pershore this Saturday, while Moana will be shown at the same time at the King George V playing fields in Droitwich on Sunday.

A new location has also been added for the bank-holiday weekend, with Disney's Sing being played at The Village Green in Broadway on Friday. 

The events are courtesy of the Wychavon District Council, which has decided to bring the outdoor cinema back to area after similar showings proved hugely popular last year. 

Each film will be shown on 10 metre inflatable screens which will be provided by Open Air Film and Chill.

Steve Knight, a marketing and events officer from the Wychavon District Council, said: "We put the cinemas on in each of the towns last year as an attempt to inject some goodwill spirit after what had been a terrible year up to that point. We were overwhelmed with how successful they were considering they were organised pretty late in the day.

"The success meant that the council leader wished for us to do them again, but to also include Broadway and a rural location, which we decided upon Inkberrow.

"What wasn’t known last year was how much longer restrictions would be on us, and although the restrictions locally have now been removed, it’s still been a heavily impacted year, so it seems fitting to run the cinemas again.

"Like last year, we’re hoping they will bring some happiness and joy to many, and perhaps be an opportunity to meet up with friends and family who may not have seen each other for a long while, in the safer environment of an outdoor settings."

Organisers have urged people to bring a chair, a blanket, and plenty of snacks and drinks.

Alternatively, cinemagoers have been encouraged to make use of the 'great eateries' that each of the towns have.

This comes as part of a continued effort from the Wychavon District Council to support the local economy as it continues to recover from the impacts of Covid-19.

"We’ve purposely avoided bringing in catering facilities at each venue as we were conscious to support the local eateries first," Mr Knight added.

"Last year, many people brought picnics or takeaways using the local businesses, so we hope the same will happen again this year.

"Supporting our town centres is the priority, so this is the very least we can do."

Two further screenings will also take place the following weekend, with Peter Rabbit 2 being shown at Corporation Meadow in Evesham on August 3, while Hairspray will be played at the recreation ground behind Inkberrow Village Hall on August 4.