Movie-loving mums and dads have hailed plans by cinema bosses to introduce baby friendly screenings of the latest films.
The Odeon at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre, in Wrexham has launched its ‘Newbies’.
The scheme means parents can catch up with the latest movie releases in a child friendly auditorium with fellow mums and dads who are used to the noises made by babies and young children.
Film bosses believe this takes the stress out of a visit to the movies as parents don’t have to worry that their tot could upset fellow cinema goers.
The Odeon, which has been open in Eagles Meadow for more than two years has aired ‘Newbies’ screenings before but bosses have decided to re-launch it after the school summer holidays.
Mum-of-one Sarah Evans has been a regular and thinks it is a great idea.
She said: “The film is played slightly quieter than normal and the lights are a bit brighter to make babies and toddlers feel more relaxed. There are no adverts or trailers so there isn’t as much waiting around.”
Sarah added she looked forward to the visits with her one-year-old son Evan.
“A lot of the Mums walk around rocking their babies and the toddlers can sit on the floor and play with their toys if they want to.”
Cinema Manager Kenny Kempster said the Odeon in Wrexham want to make the experience as comfortable as possible.
“Parents with young children can come and not worry about their baby crying or getting upset,” he said.
“It’s more about the mother being able to watch the film and have the baby with them. Some people haven’t always got childcare and they don’t have to leave if the baby cries as those watching will be parents too and used to the odd baby murmur or cry.
“It’s a more relaxed atmosphere. Ladies come with their babies and have a coffee. It becomes quite a social event and they spend some time for themselves.”
The films screened will be as current a release as possible but nothing higher than a 12A rating.
Wrexham parents have given the idea the thumbs up.
Mum-of four Carly O’Keefe said she would love to visit the cinema with her youngest son who is just six months old.
She said: “This is a fantastic idea. As Tryfan is exclusively breastfed I haven’t been able to leave him yet to visit the cinema, the introduction of a Newbies screening would mean I could once again enjoy seeing the latest films without worrying that he would disturb other people around me.”
Her friend Naomi Williams is Mum to three boys, including eight week old Emlyn. She added: “Being able to go to the cinema with my baby and not having to worry about him being a little noisy is gold to any parent.”
Matthew Purslow from Coedpoeth near Wrexham said he tried to take his daughter to the cinema when she was 8 months old. He said he would have felt more comfortable if he could have attended a ‘Newbies’ screening.
“We took Cleo to watch Toy Story 3 last year. Though she wasn’t much trouble, I didn’t get into the film or even relax a bit due to not wanting to upset others. I haven’t taken her since so having special screenings for me, would be great,” he said.
