Preparations are underway for a free open-air performance of two blockbusting films on Sunday 1 August 2010.

‘Flicks in Bitts’ will be held between 12.30pm and 6pm in Bitts Park, Carlisle. The Oscar-winning Disney/Pixar animation ‘Up’ will be screened at 1.30pm, followed by family favourite ‘Mamma Mia’ at 4pm. Organised as the finale of Carlisle City Council’s nine-day programme of Love Parks Week events, ‘Flicks in Bitts’ has also received support from Filmbank, Eddie Stobart and the University of Cumbria.

No tickets are required, just turn up on the day. No seating will be provided and spectators are encouraged to bring along a picnic or buy refreshments from on-site caterers. Following the film theme, candyfloss, ice cream and popcorn will all on sale from locally based traders. As part of the build up to the screenings, the Border Concert Band will be entertaining the crowds with a medley of famous film scores.

Family fun will also be provided by a variety of agencies, including Carlisle City Council’s face2face play and young people’s team, Barnardo’s and Jason the Juggler. Face painting, arts & crafts and other fun activities will also be on offer.  

The nearest car parking is available in Devonshire Walk car park and Bitts Park car park. Please note that normal charges will apply. No road closures will be in place.

Cllr Ray Bloxham, Portfolio holder for Environment, said:

“Flicks in Bitts will provide a brilliant finale to our nine-day Love Parks events programme. The wide-range of activities has been a resounding success and hundreds of residents have taken the chance to enjoy some free family events. Come along on Sunday and enjoy, yet another, great day out.”

Carlisle’s nine-day programme of free events Love Parks Week events in the city’s parks and green spaces started last Saturday (24 July) and will continue on until this Sunday (1 August).

Highlights of this year’s programme also include:

Get Active For Free

A Junior Anglers Day will be held at Rickerby Park on Friday, 30 July, between 10am and 4pm. It’s aimed at young people up to 16 years old, who must be accompanied by an adult. For more information or register, please contact Chris Bowman on 01228 674519.

Relax at lunchtime with Tai Chi in Portland Square on Friday, 30 July, both between 12noon and 2pm.

Join a one-hour guided tour around Carlisle Cemetery’s grounds, discovering their extraordinary collection of trees on Saturday, 31 July at 2pm.

Poetry in the Cathedral grounds

City centre shoppers and workers can take a breath of lunchtime fresh-air in the Cathedral’s beautiful grounds, enjoying and a poetry picnic with renowned writers Grevel Lindop and Angela Locke on Thursday 29 July, between 12.30pm and 2pm.

Kid’s stuff

Have fun with the City Council’s face2face playscheme in Hartley Avenue Playing Fields on Thursday, 29 July and Friday, 30 July, between 10.30am and 3pm on each day. An event will also be held at Bitts Park on Friday, 30 July. Bushcraft, adventure and outdoor activities will also be offer at Chance’s Park on Thursday, 29 July, between 11am and 3pm.

Tullie events

A garden trail around Tullie House’s gardens is on offer on Thursday 29 July between 10am and 1pm.

Grow It, Cook It, Eat It

The benefits of growing your own fruit and vegetables will be on show at a food demonstration with a difference. Local celebrity chef, John Crouch, will be showing how to make the most of your home-grown food as part of a cookery masterclass at Adelaide Street allotments on Saturday, 31 July, between 11.30am and 1.30pm. Family activities will also be available throughout the event. Support has been provided by Adelaide Street Allotment Association and Barnado’s.

Love Parks Week is organised by parks charity GreenSpace to raise awareness of the importance of parks, and this year the focus will be on encouraging people to get into parks to join the campaign for continued investment and support for these valuable community assets.

Last year, around 600 park events took place across the country to celebrate Love Parks Week, attracting over 400,000 people. This year looks set to be even bigger, with even more fun and exciting events taking place nationally. Carlisle is joining the campaign for the second time and hopes to be able to develop the programme further in future years.