Photo of a projector screen in front of Walton Hall at night for the Walton Film Festival.

Walton’s open-air cinema returns this May with two show stopping films – Rocket Man and Pulp Fiction – which will be shown against the stunning backdrop of Walton Hall and Gardens.

Kicking off in spectacular fashion, Rocket Man will be shown on Friday 6 May. The showing coincides with a special celebration of Elton John’s 75th birthday this year, where you will be able to re-live the life and amazing career of Sir Elton while relaxing in our picturesque gardens.

Set to Elton’s most beloved songs, it’s the epic musical story of his breakthrough years in the 1970s and his fantastical transformation from shy piano player to international superstar – and all the highs and lows along the way.

Have some fun on the night and come dressed in your favourite Elton look, with the best dressed Elton of the evening winning a special prize!

For the second night on Saturday 7 May, we teamed up with the Warrington Guardian and gave you the chance to vote for the film you’d like to see close the festival, and the winner was Pulp Fiction!

Written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, the 1994 classic features a host of stars, including John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis, Tim Roth, Ving Rhames, and Uma Thurman.

It tells several stories of criminal Los Angeles and how the lives of two mob hitmen, a boxer, a gangster and his wife, and a pair of diner bandits intertwine.

Film fans also have the chance to go VIP to make your evening even more special, with deck chairs in a prime location provided, plus a bag of premium popcorn for you to enjoy.

Cllr Tony Higgins, cabinet member for leisure and community, said: “It’s fantastic to see the Film Festival return by popular demand alongside the Cheshire Food Festival, which is a firm favourite in Walton’s event calendar.

“I’m thrilled to see people back enjoying Walton Hall and Gardens again and I’m sure this jam-packed weekend in May will be an extra special one for local people and visitors from outside the area to enjoy.”

Standard ticket holders simply need to grab something to sit on, claim your spot on the lawn and settle in for a fantastic evening of outdoor cinema.

There are a limited number of early bird discounted tickets available at £6 each. Standard tickets are £13.50, and VIP tickets are £18.50.

Food and drink will also be available to buy each night, with a variety of artisan street food, gin and prosecco bars, as well as a DJ to get you in the movie mood.

Are you a keen foodie as well as a film fanatic? Then take advantage of the Cheshire Food Festival which comes to Walton on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 May. With over 40 artisan producers on site, there will be lots of tasty hot food, and great drinks to enjoy, plus live music and market stalls.

Visit cheshirefoodfestival.com for more information about this free event.

16 August 2023