Big Screen Saturday in Ossett was a big hit

The sun came out last Saturday to shine on a new venture in the precinct when Ossett Town Centre Partnership premiered its outdoor cinema.

The five films on show (Singalong Frozen, the Lego Movie, the Goonies, Star Wars - the Force Awakens and Dirty Dancing) catered for all ages.

A spokesman for the town centre partnership said: “It was wonderful to see children, many in fancy dress, dancing to the songs from Frozen, then in the evening the adults pairing up for Dirty Dancing.

“The day couldn’t have gone better and planning has already started for next year”.

The precinct was packed throughout the day, families brought picnics or bought the delights on offer from the surrounding gazebos - hog roast, popcorn, hot dogs, ice cream alongside soft drinks, teas, coffees, beers, lagers, Pimm’s and prosecco.

The local Co-op also provided a free tasting experience, which proved very popular. They also sold cupcakes for their charity, the British Red Cross.

The event struck a chord with locals as you can see in these pictures from Simon Taylor.

Debbie Squires, from Squires Deli, said: “By far the best day Ossett has had in a long time. It was a fantastic idea.”

Wendy Schofield added: “It was a brilliant day, with adults enjoying themselves as well as the children. A good all rounder”.

And Rachael Smith said: “Had a fantastic time. Excellent atmosphere.”

Paula Michelle said “It was a fantastic day, hope there’s more to come.”

The town centre partnership spokesman said: “The event cost £7,500 to put on and without the help of Wakefield Council, including the Town Hall manager, and our other sponsors, advertisers, patrons and the public who attended, the event would have been impossible - thank you to all concerned.”

The organisers are also extremely grateful to Cathy Burger, of Food Festivals Ltd, who provided the advice and guidance to stage the event.

The event was also supported by the new Ossett Loyalty card and the Ossett Civic Trust who ran a tombola.

The Ossett Town Centre Partnership is now turning its focus towards holding the third annual First World War Commemorative Football match on Wednesday, August 3 at Ossett Town’s football ground.

The match is played between an Ossett Youth Team and a youth team from the Army Apprentices College in Harrogate.

It commemorates the start of the war and the role that football played in the lives of the young soldiers.