The two nights of movies attract people from across the region as they come to Shugborough for one last outdoor picnic experience of the summer.

The preparations for such a large scale experience are enormous. They start immediately after this weekend’s Classic Car and Transport Show – an event which sees over 1,000 of the world’s most sought after vehicles displayed on the beautiful parkland.

As soon as the entourage of collectible vehicles leave, staff start preparing the grounds for the movie night experience.

A giant outdoor screen is erected against the backdrop of the mansion house and sound and light tests start taking place across the week to make sure the movies are sound and picture perfect for picnickers.

White lines are marked across the enormous Hall Field marking out gangways, exits, gazebo pitches and spaces for catering outlets, bars and toilet facilities while a mountain of risk assessment and emergency plan paperwork is completed to make sure everyone has an enjoyable and safe night out.

By next Friday an army of car parkers and marshals will prepare to open up the magnificent Shugborough grounds so that picnickers can pour in to watch the Shugborough sunset as blockbuster movie Mamma Mia plays.

Litter pickers will then work through the night to ensure the estate is spick and span for the general public visiting the estate’s rich attractions the next day.

By early Saturday evening all hands will be on deck again for cult classic movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Event Co-ordinator Ruth Stanway said: “The picnic movies are a lovely event to organise. It takes almost all the staff at the estate to pull it off each year and we have to work very, very hard.

“But the atmosphere on the evenings is absolutely electric. There is nowhere more beautiful than Shugborough on a summer evening and to see people dressed up, having fun and enjoying a singsong with friends and families, makes it all absolutely worthwhile.”
 
As part of the experience, Signal Radio will be hosting a pre-show to get everyone in the mood and visitors will be encouraged to come dressed up as their favourite characters from the films.

The Picnic Movie Weekend takes place on Friday August 20 (Mamma Mia - PG) and Saturday August 21 (Rocky Horror - 12).

Advance ticket prices are £8 Adults, £7.50 concessions and children and £27 for a family. Special advance group offer is also available – Buy eight tickets and get two more free. Telephone 0845 459 8900 or visit www.shugborough.org.uk to book.

On the night prices are £10 adults, £9 concessions and children and £32 for families. Under fives are free.

To find out more about the Movie Nights and this weekend’s Classic car Show, visit www.shugorough.org.uk or telephone 01889 881 388 to book tickets.