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Why we love the Summer Cinema at Stanley Park

A night under the stars, popcorn and The Lion King... what more could you want
The Lion King at the Evo Summer Cinema
A huge crowd turned up to watch The Lion King at the Evo Summer Cinema at Stanley Park.

Even after all these years The Lion King can still draw a huge crowd.

It’s an all time favourite for most 90s kids, and in my opinion one of the best movies ever made. So when I saw it was showing at the Evo Summer Cinema at Stanley Park there was no doubt in my mind, I had to be there.

It was obvious Vancouverites felt the same, with not a space on the grass left in sight at Ceperley Meadow at Second Beach. It was packed.

Russ Davies, Fresh Air Cinema senior event producer and film programmer, said it was one of the biggest crowds he’d seen at the park, which can fit between 5,000 and 10,000 people.  

“We certainly had a 'king-sized' crowd last night to enjoy The Lion King!” he said.

“When you have a great picture, awesome weather, and lots of unique things to eat, sample and discover prior to the show, that lends itself to the type of guest support we had last night.

“We're always humbled by the numbers of people who support our event, and who have come to enjoy our outdoor movie nights for the past 10 years.”

I’m fairly new to Vancouver and it was my first time going to the outdoor cinema.

I’m not sure if it was the nostalgia of watching a childhood film, warm popcorn, being under the stars or the reactions from the crowd during the movie – but I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face the entire night. The atmosphere was great.

As soon as the Circle of Life theme song came on the crowd cheered and continued to react throughout favourite scenes and songs, including Hakuna Matata, Can You Feel the Love Tonight and, of course, when Simba returns to claim his place as king at Pride Rock.

 

The Lion King. #movieinthepark #stanleypark #summercinema #vancouverliving

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Davies, who has been organising the outdoor movies for 10 years now, said he loved watching the crowd get involved.

“That's one of the best parts of the event, isn't it?” he said.

“Our guests love to be a part of the show and to make the night theirs.

“It's pretty amazing to see. I always get chills when I hear our audience laugh in unison, cheer for the good guys, or applaud after a great song on screen.

“I've been doing this with Fresh Air Cinema for a decade, and it never gets old.”

The Lion King at Evo Summer Cinema
A huge crowd turned up to watch family favourite, The Lion King, at the Evo Summer Cinema at Stanley Park. - Elisia Seeber

The crowd was so pumped up by the movie; fans even played the theme music while walking out of Stanley Park.

If you haven't seen The Lion King, I suggest you stop everything and watch it immediately.

If you still haven’t had a chance to go the free Summer Cinema there’s plenty more great movies coming up over the next few weeks.

Grab your blanket and snacks and get ready, folks, next Tuesday Mean Girls is showing.

But…“You can’t sit with us.”

Here’s the upcoming movies:

MEAN GIRLS – Tuesday, July 24, Sunset: 9:05pm
SPICE WORLD – Tuesday, July 31, Sunset: 8:55pm
 
FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF, August 7, Sunset: 8:45pm
GREASE – Tuesday, August 14, Sunset: 8:30pm
TITANIC – Tuesday, August 21, Sunset: 8:20pm