Drive-in tour set for Dalkeith

Dalkeith Country Park will host the first seven showings of a nationwide drive-in cinema tour in August, to help cheer up locked-down locals.

Glasgow-based events company XL Event Lab is hosting the The Parking Lot Social, Scotland’s biggest ever drive-in tour, which begins at Dalkeith Country park in August.

Tickets went on sale last Friday for The Parking Lot Social, Scotland’s biggest ever drive-in tour, which will park at Dalkeith Country Park from August 5-9, with five evening showings and two matinees.

Glasgow-based events company XL Event Lab is hosting the events to give the public a much needed entertainment fix after months of lockdown. Each night, 250 carloads will enjoy films, car-a-oke, bingo, silent disco, live bands, quizzes, comedy and food all done in a safe, socially distant way. For families with younger children, a ‘Social Kids’ event will offer content for a younger audience and an earlier start time.

Films for the Midlothian event include Joaquin Phoenix in The Joker, and the perfect drive-in flick, Grease.

Attendees will take part in the interactive event from their own cars, parked in front of a vast custom-made performance set.

This installation is a blend of art and technology with two 40ft screens, a 52ft fire hydrant and a brace of inflatable gorillas standing watch over a central stage.

Audio will be transmitted directly from the stage to custom-made wireless headphones and through a dedicated FM radio channel for listening via the car stereo.

Keeping guests and staff safe, the whole event is designed with social distancing at its heart from entering the site, getting food delivered and taking a trip to the toilet.

Josh Kinnersley, chief operating officer at XL Event Lab, said: “It really feels like everyone could do with a bit of fun just now and for us that’s vast screens, massive rainbow fire hydrants and gorillas.

“Each night on the Scottish tour is shaping up to be amazing, with the most feel-good entertainment being lined up for everyone coming along, whether they like snuggling up to a good film, belting out the classics or showing off their quiz skills.

“It’s all being done safely and responsibly, so guests and staff can take part in this interactive drive-in festival without worry. We’re working closely with local authorities to make sure that what we’ve got planned is going to be allowed and within guidelines.

“Over the years we’ve given over a million people around the world extraordinary experiences and we’re ready to give Scotland a lot more.”