Heeley Trust are holding ‘Park after Dark’ a free cycle-powered community film event in Heeley People’s Park on Saturday 26 March from 6-9pm to “celebrate the community”.
Crows Nest in Heeley People’s Park
The outdoor cinema will screen a community film at 6.30pm, made with people in Heeley and surrounding neighbourhoods.
A screening of Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet will follow at 7pm.
Heeley Trust invites people to submit short video or audio clips online that capture “the spirit of Heeley” for their community film.
Submissions close on 18 March.
Heeley People’s Park from View Road
Ruth Nutter, project coordinator from Heeley Trust, explained the importance of accepting submissions, so as to “get a range of voices and perspectives” from the community.
She said: “Everything that the trust does is to empower people, make improvements and help them with their wellbeing and their livelihoods.”
The HandleBards performing
The evening is hosted by the HandleBards, cycling Shakespearean actors who perform environmentally sustainable plays in the park every summer.
Over the past year, they have worked with Heeley Trust to provide prescribing activities, workshops and wellbeing events for the community.
Funding from the National Academy of Social Prescribing and Arts Council England has allowed them to hold a wellbeing festival and confidence building workshops for women.
Additionally, “vital” funding from the Thriving Communities fund has gone towards this event as well as a huge program connecting people with nature, physical activity and creativity.
The HandleBards previously performing Romeo & Juliet at the Sheffield Amphitheatre. Photo by Callum Cheatle
Tom Dixon, Producer and Co-Artistic Director of the HandleBards said this year has developed their relationship and “this event seemed liked the perfect way to finalise the year”.
He said: “It’s kind of a celebratory event to celebrate the work we’ve done together.”
However, he was clear that: “Once the event is up and running, it’s very much in the hands of the community.
“Everyone’s got to keep pedalling or the movie stops.”
The cinema is powered by cycling, keeping the event low carbon.
But people are allowed to simply relax and enjoy the film.
Provided by Electric Pedals, there are bikes for adults and children as well as a hand operation.
A previous bicycle powered cinema from Electric Pedals. Photo by Electric Pedals
There will be a selection of chairs and blankets to sit on, and a marquee in the park providing shelter, but the organisers encourage people to wrap up warm.
Additionally, there will be a variety of “tasty hot food & snacks” available all night.
200 tickets online have already sold out, but there are a limited number of walk-ups available on the night.
