NORTHWICH'S Regal Cinema is set to celebrate its 60th birthday next week. (From Warrington Guardian)

NORTHWICH'S Regal Cinema is set to celebrate its 60th birthday next week.

And to help film fans share the magic of the moment, manager Karl Woods has borrowed an idea from one of the screen's most famous competitions.

If you remember Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, you might also remember the all-important Golden Tickets, which allowed three lucky children to look round Mr Wonka's fantastic factory.

Well, Karl has pilfered the idea in style.

"It's very simple, and it's a nice tie in to the film world," he said. "What we're going to do is have a massive balloon launch from the roof on our birthday.

"Hidden in three of those balloons will be Golden Tickets, giving some lucky people the chance to come to our cinema, free of charge, for a whole year.

"I can't promise there will be little Oompaloompa Men running around inside, or any Everlasting Gobstoppers, but the winners will certainly be made very welcome, and they can come as often as they like."

There will be other prizes up for grabs. Some balloons will contain free tickets for one film and others will have details of mystery prizes.

The balloons will be launched at 3pm on January 28 - exactly 60 years after the cinema first set its cameras rolling with A Storm in a Teacup, starring Rex Harrison and Vivien Leigh.

"This just seems like a great way to celebrate 60 years," Karl added. "And hopefully we'll be here for another 60 too."

Karl wants children to help celebrate the Regal's birthday too. He has come up with a competition for schools giving pupils the chance to design a poster for their favourite film.

If you want your school or college to get involved, ring Cheshire Cinemas on 01606 48375.

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