High-octane fun is accelerating towards Dubbo for the long weekend as a cultural icon gears up to celebrate its 50th anniversary next month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Dubbo Westview Drive-In will mark the milestone with a sell-out screening of Australian cult classic film Running on Empty on October 3 and enduring favourite musical Grease on October 4.
Organisers on Wednesday announced that due to "huge interest", a second Running on Empty screening would be held on October 2.
The event originally scheduled for March was postponed due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
It was a serious blow for the emerging attraction, but the easing of restrictions in NSW at the end of May allowed the drive-in to start operating again, with a COVID safety plan.
Loyal patrons who held on to their Running on Empty tickets for a revised date had also played their part in the drive-in's future.
"These people stuck by us and supported us through COVID and we're looking forward to putting something on to thank them for their understanding and support," a spokesman for the operator said.
Patrons are coming from across NSW with many bringing the cars that are their pride and joy.
"There will be a convoy to the drive-in... if people don't see it, they'll hear it," the spokesman said.
The Grease night was also attracting interest, with groups booking and saying they would be coming as Pink Ladies, he said.
"It should be a good fun night for all the family," he said.
The drive-in officially opened on October 8, 1970 with Kelly's Heroes as its first movie offering.
It brought the latest blockbusters to avid audiences until its closure in 1984.
Community enthusiasm and support have helped the revival of the drive-in in recent times after three decades out of operation.
"It is hard work, but it is worthwhile after I watch people leave and look so genuinely thankful for the experience," the spokesman said.
"We always screen films that adhere to all different demographics.
"And in terms of the future of the drive-in, we plan to embrace the large space to showcase community happenings.
"Following the weekend's celebrations, we are pleased to announce Westview Drive-In will screen films most weekends for the foreseeable future, giving more people a chance to relive and discover a social icon."
Family movies Toy Story and Finding Nemo are also planned for mid-week sessions during the school holidays and more information is available on the drive-in's website.
DO YOU WANT MORE ORANGE NEWS AND SPORT?
- Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below ...
Faye Wheeler
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
