Sunset Screenings: The Dukes takes over Williamson Park

Hidden away in The Dell at Williamson Park, The Dukes provides a week of exciting outdoor cinema every September. This year, they're bringing their Sunset Screenings to spring with some fantastic offerings! Come with SCAN as we explore the first of the week's offerings, La La Land.

Whilst it wasn't exactly Another Day of Sun on Saturday night, Lancastrians turned out in droves to see La La Land. Starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, Damien Chazelle's 2016 movie musical is a love letter to Hollywood, the arts, and following your dreams.

I was, admittedly, late to the party with La La Land so I missed its original cinema run, but I fell in love with it in my late teens when it came to streaming. I can now safely say - it's better on the big screen!

The Dukes utilises The Dell as the base for their Sunset Screenings. Equipped with wooden bench seating and a stage area which displayed the cinema screen, it's the perfect location for a night of cinema. Upon entering The Dell, audience members were greeted by The Dukes' Front of House staff and volunteers, and briefed with all the necessary information to make the most of their night.

To celebrate Guest Night and set the vibe for the evening, Lancaster-based jazz band The Luca Brasi Group played for an hour before the film started. They were really fantastic, and many audience members (including myself!) congregated around their gazebo to watch.

You're more than welcome to bring your own food and drink, but a bar and pizza van were onsite courtesy of Williamson Park and Aquila Pizzeria. It was hugely convenient having a bar so close to the cinema seating, and whilst I didn't end up getting a pizza, I saw many people enjoying them! The bar and pizza will be there all week, with Diplos Pizza taking over from Aquila for the rest of the run.

Now for the elephant in the room of outdoor cinema in Lancaster - the rain! If you find yourself ill-prepared for the weather, The Dukes has that covered too. Their Front of House team operates a little stall behind the seating where you can purchase or rent outdoor cinema essentials such as ponchos, seat pads, and blankets.

Overall, it was a really lovely night. From the jazz, to the food and drink offerings, to the film, The Dukes have really elevated their Sunset Screenings. We would really recommend getting to any of the other screenings throughout the week!

If you're interested in a night of fantastic cinema in a beautiful location, make sure to check out the rest of the Sunset Screenings, running until the 24th of May!

Dirty Dancing - 17th May, 9pm

Stand By Me - 18th May, 9pm

Sinners - 19th May, 9pm

Mystery Film - 20th May, 9pm

"Wuthering Heights" - 21st May, 9:15pm

Top Gun - 22nd May, 9:15pm

Mamma Mia - 23rd May, 9:15pm

Sense & Sensibility - 24th May, 9:15pm

Tickets cost £12 (£10 for members) and are bookable by clicking the film titles above or through The Dukes' website.