IT will come as no surprise if sessions for the drive-in movie theatre are all booked out before the Bathurst Winter Festival starts on July 4.
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On Monday, Bathurst Regional Council released the first tickets for the drive-in and mayor Bobby Bourke said there were 500 sold in the first 24 hours.
The first release of tickets to the films Jumanji, The Notebook, Dirty Dancing and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs prove that people are more than willing to venture out in winter to watch some of their favourite films.
It's not only residents who are interested either, as Cr Bourke reported there being "significant interest from regional and metropolitan postcodes".
"It is wonderful to see such interest in this event," he said.
"It will offer a nostalgic, yet new experience for our community to enjoy some of their favourite movies."
To ensure the full drive-in experience, food will also be available.
The drive-in is a new offering at the winter festival, introduced to replace the signature amusements the event has become known for, including the ice rink, which couldn't go ahead due to COVID-19.
In order to adapt to the current health and safety recommendations from NSW Health, the festival will be tailored to social distancing measures with some festival experiences enjoyed from the comfort of home or in cars.
Councillor Jacqui Rudge has commended council's events team for coming up with ideas, like the drive-in and online markets, that have ensured the festival can stay on the calendar for 2020.
"I think the council's events staff have come up with some wonderful ideas and I want to commend them on that," she said.
She is particularly impressed with the number of ticket sales for the drive-in so far, and hopes that the activity will be a sell-out.
"I think that is excellent. I think people are embracing the idea," Cr Rudge said.
"I hope the sales continue and I hope that people stay interested in the idea.
"I guess in my age group, I had the opportunity to go to the drive-in, but not everyone has had that experience, so I think a lot of young people want to see what it's like."
If the drive-in is a success and demand for it continues, she would like to see the concept incorporated at future winter festivals.
