A DRIVE-IN cinema will be bringing the fun back to Southend as it returns for a second year, and will be helping Essex firms recover from Covid.

Sunset Drive-In, a Leigh-based company, is hoping to entertain visitors at Southend’s Garon Park with a list of iconic films.

Movie fans will be able to choose from seven different flicks to watch on a giant LED screen between May 21 and May 23 - with five singalong options.

The event will also be supporting Essex-based businesses as they recover from the pandemic, with food, ice cream and even toilets being supplied by companies across the county.

Organiser Gary Sheridan said: “We wanted to support other local businesses that have had a hard time like we all have really.

“My company runs events and we have been out of action since last summer so it’s important for us as well.

“Last year we had come out of a fairly long lockdown and people were very happy to be able to come out and have some fun and hopefully it will be the same this time.

“People are definitely ready to have some fun and will still be able to do this within the safety of their own vehicle.

“It also means that if they select one of the singalong films and they’re shy, there is no need to worry about other people hearing them sing.”

Iconic 80s film Dirty Dancing will kick off the weekend of fun, and will be followed by firm favourites like Grease, School of Rock, Bohemian Rhapsody, The Greatest Showman, Sister Act and the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Deputy leader of the council, Ron Woodley, has applauded the company’s move to help support other businesses.

Mr Woodley said: “I think any business that comes in we should applaud and let’s hope the weather is nice to them.

“If it was successful last year in the height of the pandemic, we’re now coming out of that so hopefully it will be even better.

“Any small franchises that can be supported by this, it can only be a good thing.

“I think it’s good news all round.”

The Sunset Drive-In are hoping to hold more cinema events at Garons across the summer.

Tickets are now on sale from £30 per car.

Visit www.sunsetdrivein.co.uk