Free outdoor cinema & Artisan Market returns to Newcastle-under-Lyme this weekend

Families can enjoy a day of free school holiday entertainment in Newcastle-under-Lyme this Sunday as Cinema on the Stones returns alongside the popular Castle Artisan Market.

Taking place on Sunday 16th August from 10am to 3pm, the event is a collaboration between Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Castle Artisan Market, bringing together outdoor cinema, independent makers and traders and free family activities at the bottom of the High Street, near Lymelight Boulevard.

The town centre’s big screen will host a free family double bill, with Disney favourite The Little Mermaid showing at 10.30am, followed by the nostalgic adventure classic Hook at 1pm as well as music from the 6 Towns Radio team. 

Families are encouraged to get into the spirit of the films too, with prizes up for grabs for the best mermaid and pirate fancy dress (big kids and little kids included!). There will also be a mermaid meet and greet, free children’s face painting, plus free ice creams and pick’n’mix for children while stocks last.

Alongside the activities, Castle Artisan Market will fill the town centre with a fantastic selection of independent makers, bakers, creators, food and drink traders. Held on the third Sunday of every month, the market is a regular fixture in Newcastle-under-Lyme’s events calendar.

Visitors can bring their own blankets or picnic chairs, pack a picnic and settle down for the films, or make the most of the town centre’s cafés, restaurants and food traders throughout the day.

Charl Pearce, Manager of Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, said: “Cinema on the Stones is all about creating an easy, affordable day out in the town centre during the school holidays and we’re really looking forward to bringing it back this Sunday.

“By running the cinema alongside Castle Artisan Market, the two events really complement each other giving families an opportunity to browse the market, enjoy the free activities, settle down for a film and hopefully spend some time exploring the rest of the town centre too.

“We know the summer holidays can be expensive for families, so being able to offer films, face painting and entertainment completely free makes a real difference. At the same time, bringing more people into the town supports our market traders, hospitality venues, independents and the wider High Street.”

Cinema on the Stones forms part of Newcastle-under-Lyme BID’s wider summer events programme, bringing free and affordable activities into the town centre while supporting existing events and encouraging more people to spend time on the High Street.

The programme continues later this month with Castle Food & Drink Fest on Saturday 29th August and Newcastle-under-Lyme Jazz & Blues Festival on Saturday 29th August which runs over the August Bank Holiday weekend, 28-30th August in over 23 Newcastle venues. 

For all the latest events, activities and updates from Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, follow @newcastlebid on social media.

• Cinema on the Stones and Castle Artisan Market take place from 10am to 3pm on Sunday 16th August at the bottom of the High Street, near Lymelight Boulevard.
• The Little Mermaid will be shown at 10.30am, followed by Hook at 1pm. Both screenings and the children’s activities are free, with no booking required.