A shopping centre was sprinkled in fairy dust as young cinema goers made their own special magic wands.
The Odeon Cinema at Eagles Meadow in Wrexham is screening the new Easter children’s blockbuster, Cinderella, and to celebrate youngsters had the chance to create their own magic.
The wand-making workshop was run by Odeon team member Roxie LaRoche and Costa barista, Christine Farquhar, with hundreds of children enjoying the craft activity before or after watching the latest Disney masterpiece.
According to Roxie, the children really enjoyed the experience which also raised funds for the Odeon’s charity two partners, the NSPCC and The Variety Club.
She said: “I always enjoy helping out with activities such as this and even came in on my annual leave today to get involved. And the fact we are raising funds for our two charities makes it even more worthwhile.
“Disney supplied the craft materials and, although the activity is free, parents could make a donation if they wished and most did.”
Christine Farquhar, who works in the Costa Coffee franchise within the Eagles Meadow Odeon complex, added: “It has been really busy and children have clearly enjoyed making their own special magic wands.
“It’s been a fun activity at what is a busy time. Cinderella is proving very, very popular since the first screening.”
One young cinema goer made her wand before going to watch the film on the silver screen dressed in her own Cinderella costume.
Seren Harney, six, a Rhosddu Primary School pupil, went to watch the Disney tale with her accountant mum, Vicky Blackburn, of Wrexham.
Vicky said: “Seren has really enjoyed making her wand and it’s a really good idea. Seren particularly likes craft activities so today has been perfect for her.
“She came dressed in her Cinderella outfit as she loves dressing up and you have to make the effort don’t you? She really has had a brilliant day.”
Wrexham County Borough Council IT analyst, Lisa Roberts, took her two daughters, Megan, eight, and Ceri, six, along to watch Cinderella but first made their own special wands.
Lisa said: “They are both really excited about the film. They love Disney and are little film buffs in their own right. As a family we attend a lot of screenings at the Odeon here at Eagles Meadow.
She added: “I think it’s a wonderful idea to include a craft workshop alongside the screening and to make it a charity event is a great idea too. We have certainly had a good time.”
Megan, who attends Borras Junior School while her sister is in the infants’, said: “I have really enjoyed making my wand it’s been really good fun and I have liked adding all the stick-on jewels to it.”
Laura Evans, 21, of Wrexham treated her sister, Amelia Evans, nine, with a trip to the cinema to see Cinderella and said the craft session was really enjoyable.
She said: “It’s added something extra to a trip to the cinema and Amelia has loved it. She enjoys art and making things. And the fact it’s raising funds for charity is good too.”
Amelia, a pupil at Ysgol Cefn Mawr, added: “I’ve really enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to seeing the film. I like the story of Cinderella.”
Zoe Edwards of Llay took her daughter, Skye, eight, along to see Cinderella and says she enjoyed making her special magic wand.
She said: “Skye really wanted to come along and see Cinderella so I decided to treat her. We do come to the cinema if there is a really good children’s film on.
“It’s been really good having the added craft activity and Skye has really enjoyed making her wand. And it’s a great way to make some charity money too. It’s nice to see activities such as this, all the children I have seen have thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Eagles Meadow manager Kevin Critchley: “I am delighted the wand-making workshop has been so popular especially as they were helping to raise money for two very important charities. Now, that’s what I call magic.”
