Back to the Future – and back to the cinema in Wellington as DeLorean hits town
It wasn't just back to the future in Wellington, it was back to the cinema as one of film's most famous cars dropped in to launch a series of post-lockdown screenings.
It took centre stage in the much-celebrated Back to the Future trilogy, but the DeLorean time machine – flux capacitor included – was turning heads in Wellington on Saturday.
The iconic car was parked up on the square as part of a promotion for the Wellington Orbit's screening of the trilogy, which started today, with Back to the Future, and will be followed by the sequels over the next two weekends.
The sell-out shows have been a boost for the community cinema, which had been unable to screen any films this year, up until May 18.
Although the car is firmly a favourite with children of the 1980s, it was proving popular with youngsters and its classic target market, with scores of people lining up for pictures with the vehicle.
Alex Taylor, from Wrockwardine Wood was one of those to take the chance for a quick picture, asking the vehicle's owner, Steven Wickenden, to snap him in the celebrated pose from the film's poster – arm on the raised door, checking his watch and raising his glasses.
The 57-year-old said it was a chance not to be missed.
He said: "I loved the film. I saw it when it first came out in '85 in Wolverhampton's ABC. There were queues for that when it came out."
Mr Taylor added that it was "fabulous" to see a "film star" on the streets of Wellington.
Wellington Orbit volunteer John Abbott also got to fulfil a life long ambition as he replicated the classic Michael J Fox pose – with his own costume to match.
The car was used by Universal studios to promote the film and is an exact replica of the one used to shoot the movie.
It is actually a fully working vehicle, which has featured at a host of superstar events, including the premiere of Ready Player One, where Steven Spielberg added his signature to its dashboard.
Mr Wickenden explained that he still drives it whenever possible – taking it to the shops and even using it for the school run.
The star appearance comes as the cinema has reopened, albeit at 50 per cent capacity.
There are plans to extend that to full capacity next month, but that will depend on the government proceeding with its 'roadmap' out of lockdown without any hitches.
Damian Breeze, manager at the Orbit, said it had been great to have people back watching films, and also to have secured the appearance of a star to promote their latest screenings.
He said: "It has been absolutely fantastic to open after lockdown. Seeing the regular customers is wonderful and they are all loving being back."
Mr Breeze said there was an appetite from people to get back out and start doing things again – although that comes with some understandable trepidation after months of being shut indoors at home.
He said: "I think people want to come out. They can worry a bit, but they do want to come out; they want to come out and support a local independent cinema.
"We are so happy we are open and we are just looking forward to getting back to normal like everyone else."
The McClelland family were some of those booked in for the afternoon showing of the 80s classic – the first film they have seen in a cinema since last year.
Steve and Jackie, 52 and 51, were joined by their 16-year-old-daughter Grace for the showing.
While both Steve and Jackie have fond memories of the film, for Grace it was new territory, having never seen the time-travel classic.
Jackie said it was great to be able to get out to watch a film – a simple pleasure that has been sorely missed over recent months.
She said: "It is like an occasion now, you get dressed up and you feel nice. It just feels normal, which is great."
Steve added: "You can see people are happy to be out rather than being scared to be out, which is nice after all this time."
