Just wanted do a quick write up of the open air cinema down at canal fest last night. http://www.creativetourist.com/featured/drive-in-moor-up-stroll-by-a-guide-to-the-2012-canal-festival  Last week I was in Paris watching “The Virgin Suicides” en plain air in Park Villette http://www.villette.com/fr/  so was looking forward to what Manchester had to offer. There was a great atmosphere down at Piccadilly basin, a part of town I had never visited before but which obviously has a great deal going on and I will be popping back to. Deck chairs, beer, great food from Ning http://www.ningcatering.com/index.php and a real sense of occasional had the whole place buzzing. It’s a great to see people try something new and to try and put on something a little different. I even got to have a quick peek at the Lomo wall http://cityco.com/initiative/lomowall-manchester/ which was great, and the Atelier sheds too http://cityco.com/initiative/atelier-zero/  which were locked but looked lovely.

 The film was too dark and difficult to see to be perfectly honest, and having seen Captain America before, it is a very dark film (in palette if not in theme.)

 I think the organisers would admit that it’s wasnt clear enough for people to be able to follow. It would be easy to be snarky and critical as the essential element of the night, the film, didn’t quite pan out but… I had a really great time! Sat with friends, had some excellent food and a chat, saw a bit of the film, cheered every time recognised the northern quarter ( yes, we are losers) and would go to it again. On the first night of things you might have a few teething troubles which you can sort out for next time. The lighting around the screen needed dimming and the projection needed to be 10% brighter and perhaps a film with a brighter palette would work better ( we thought of Little Miss Sunshine and The Truman Show), these are all things that can be sorted. I would go again and I’m sure next time will be better, and I’ll be popping to Ning soon as is decent to try the full menu. I cant make it tonight, but “The life Aquatic” is showing from 830-9ish but the whole place is open from 6 ish for food and a pint. Lovely. Follow all the goings on on Twitter with the hashtag #canalfest