Secret Cinema Plans Return to Gunnersbury Park

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Three options proposed for immersive event to allow flexibility

Romeo and Juliet in Gunnersbury Park 2018. Picture: Secret Cinema

The Secret Group has submitted an application to Hounslow Council to hold another immersive cinema event in Gunnersbury Park this summer.

In its application it specifies three options for use of the site. It is believed that this will give flexibility to plan as Covid-19 restrictions are changed. No number has been given for attendees at each event but it is believed that if audience size is restricted then more events would be held over a longer period. An alcohol licence to serve up to 10.30pm has been applied for running from 9 July to 22 August.

Secret Group stages immersive film screening with themed areas, bar and activity areas. Music will be performed and played, along with the film soundtrack, which will be accompanied by some theatrical pieces.

The options proposed are as follows

Option 1
Build: 21 June - 8 July
Live Events: 9 July - 1 August (Wednesday to Sunday)
Dismantle: 2 August - 6 August
Option 2
Build: 12 July - 29 July
Live Events: 30 July - 22 August (Wednesday to Sunday)
Dismantle: 23 August - 27 August
Option 3
Build: 21 June - 8 July
Live Events within the period: 9 July - 22 August (Tuesday to Sunday)
Dismantle: 23 August - 27 August

The group held a series of fifteen immersive events around a showing of Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet in the park in 2018 with over 60,000 people attending in total. It describes its target audience as “a loyal, hyper-engaged audience of culture seekers predominantly from the ABC1 demographic” and tickets to the showings start at £49 plus booking fee.

It is believed that this year’s film would be Dirty Dancing and tickets are already being sold for a chance to have the time of your life with no venue specified.

In the plans submitted with the application the stages are designated ‘Mountain House’ and ‘Ballroom’ and the project name is Mambo.

The event is being put in the south west corner of the park with access to all other areas and buildings being maintained. The overall footprint of the event site is 50,625 m2 whereas Gunnersbury Park totals 764,856 m' which means that it will occupy just 6.62% of the available parkland space.

The rental fee paid for use of the park will go the Gunnersbury Park CIC and be used for the upkeep of the estate.

A dedicated residents' information phone line will be provided for comments and complaints.

Comments on the application can be made to: licensing@hounslow.gov.uk.

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