ORGANISERS of Warwick Rocks have expressed surprise and disappointment after they were banned from showing films including Dirty Dancing and The Goonies at this year’s event.
Around 2,500 people flocked to Warwick town square in August 2013 to watch open air screenings of Top Gun and The Princess Bride as part of the town’s inaugural food and film festival.
But this year, Warwick District Council – the authority responsible for the licence to show films in Market Place – is insisting only U or PG films can be shown in public.
The announcement comes in the wake of last year’s hugely successful festival, which attracted more than 30,000 people to the town.
It means other 80s classics such as Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Jaws are off the menu as well as a host of other 12 and 12A rated films.
In a statement the event organisers said: “We did not expect the ratings to be an issue in the closely stewarded square as all of the film screenings are scheduled for the evening.
“We are determined to provide a weekend in Warwick to remember however we understand Warwick District Council has a responsibility to protect young children from any images or themes which may cause distress.”
They confirmed an announcement was likely to be made in the coming week regarding the film screenings for this year’s festival, which is expected to take place from August 21 to August 25.
The council said it was “keen to work with Warwick Rocks” to develop a follow up to last year’s successful festival.
They added the selection of films should be restricted to those classified as U or PG in order to comply with licence conditions and the need to maintain pedestrian access to the Market Square.
People can express their film preferences on Twitter at @foodfilmwarwick or on the Warwick Rocks Facebook page.
Visit warwickrocks.org for further details.
