FORTY years to the day since Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales, made their first official visit to York, Cineworld York is hosting a special ViP screening of Spencer at 7pm tonight.
On November 12 1981, the Royal couple were greeted by thousands of well-wishers as they travelled through the streets in an open-top car.
Now, Cineworld is offering a “uniquely regal way” to experience Pablo Larrain’s biographical psychological drama, starring Kristen Stewart as Diana, in their premium ViP format.
ViP guests at Cineworld York will be “transported to Sandringham as they are given the Royal treatment with a meal prepared by a chef, unlimited snacks and luxury seats”.
To make this occasion extra special, the screening will include a free glass of champagne on entry and a string quartet in the VIP exclusive lounge.
To celebrate the release of Spencer, staff and customers at Cineworld York re-created the banquet from the film’s teaser trailer frame by frame. In the trailer, staff are seen preparing for a lavish feast at Sandringham, a process that the Cineworld York crew took off by swapping lobster for popcorn and carrying in hampers that replaced the royal crest with the Cineworld ViP logo. To watch it, head to Cineworld York’s Facebook page.
ViP is Cineworld’s luxury-screening format, available at five cinemas nationwide for selected films all year-round.
A ViP ticket at Cineworld York costs £31 and always includes: access to an exclusive lounge 45 minutes before the showing; complimentary dining prepared by a chef, with four courses, including desserts; unlimited cinema snacks such as popcorn, hot dogs, nachos and soft drinks, all included in the ticket price; an intimate screening room with luxurious recliner seats that come fitted with their own side table for snacks and drinks, and alcoholic beverages, available to purchase at the private ViP bar.
Nick Bashford, Cineworld York’s general manager, says: “Recreating the Spencer trailer was a fantastic experience and one that was thoroughly enjoyed by Cineworld staff and our ViP guests.
“We can’t wait for more guests to experience this unique way of enjoying Spencer for themselves. We host ViP screenings all year round but turning a part of our cinema into a portal to Sandringham is extra special. It’s not every day we have a string quartet at Cineworld!”
For bookings, go to cineworld.co.uk.