C is for……

So here we are, at letter C already. And this one is EXCITING (aren’t they all to be fair) and was carried out completely solo.  Don’t get me wrong, this would be fun with friends or your other half too, but I was perfectly happy to be ‘doing it by myself” – standard.  When I first started thinking about the letter C, cinema was probably one of the first things that came to mind.  “But thats what everyone will be expecting, right?” I wanted more.  So imagine if you will how much I almost peed in my pants when I read about Village Green Events and The Village Screen. The Village Screen are responsible for pop up cinemas and as my luck would have it, they were screening “The Lost Boys” IN A FREAKING CAVE!! I kid you not.  This is like the date of my dreams.  Remember when I had dinner in a cave in Nottingham earlier this year? I don’t know why…. but I am just FASCINATED by CAVES!! Shall I stop rambling (shouting) and begin……. This is Alphabet Dating Me – The letter C.

Peak Cavern in Castleton (Yep, another C!! Good aren’t I?) is the largest cave system in the Peak District.  It also has the biggest actual cave entrance in the whole of Britain – pretty cool! Believe it or not these caves were called “home” for over 400 years by a small village of rope makers who supplied their wares to the mining industry. Legend has it that the cave depths also served as hideaways to bandits and gypsies. In fact, when Peak Cavern isn’t being used as a pretty awesome cave cinema, you can actually find out more about all of this. You can even see rope making demonstrations for yourself and get a guided tour around the cavern. If you check out the Peak Cavern website you will find all the details there.  Oh and if you’re wondering about the whole “Devil’s Arse” nickname thing – it seems the first record of this affectionate term was in the 1500’s. It’s nothing too scary, it’s just that when the flood waters drain away they produce a sound similar to flatulence – quaint!

I didn’t get much time to actually explore Castleton but my goodness, it’s terribly beautiful. The walk towards the cave entrance alone feels like you’ve stepped in to a painting.  I believe the house below is also the most photographed house in Derbyshire, but don’t quote me on that, it’s an Instagram rumour. I’m pretty sure I will have to go back very soon and give the place a thorough going over with my camera – P date for Peak District maybe?

Anyway, back to the main event. You don’t just get a Cave Cinema with Village Screen – you get a whole load of food options, a live band and a bar. Will we ever need to go anywhere else ever again? I was kind of spoilt for choice with Bratwurst, Pies and Pizza on offer.  But as I was trying to order something that would tie in with the letter C, I opted for a “C”hicken pie from Pie Eyed. It was delish.  And there was something quite cosy about chowing down on pie and gravy in the darkness of a cave.

So…The Cave……. I loved that random Lost Boys quotes led the way but I really wasn’t ready for just how incredible the caves would look.  All lit up in fibre optic shades of purple and green with a fairy lit bar, a giant screen and LOTS of excited people. Do the photos even do it justice? I’m not really sure. I just know that as I walked in it was a “breath taken” moment and they don’t come around all that often. I was like a bouncy little cocker spaniel as I scampered off to find my seat, and as luck would have it I ended up just a few rows from the front. As the screen came to life the crowd began to clap and cheer and then I was lost myself, in Jason Patric’s face!!

I should probably point out at this point that I had never actually seen “The Lost Boys.”  Apparently this is sinful, but it’s true. I was only 3 years old when it was released so I probably wan’t all that in to Vampires – that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it. So for me this experience was even more special as I was seeing it for the first time and I was totally engrossed. Although I think seeing an old favourite movie in this kind of setting would be just as exciting if I’m honest. Ahhh let’s face it, I’d be happy watching re-runs of Sunset Beach if it was in a cave 😂. In hindsight though, next time I must remember that caves get quite chilly. I watched with jealousy as the obvious veterans pulled out their pillows and blankets. Cosy cave goals!

When the film was over I was quite sad for this date to end. And as I walked back to my car, in the practically silent, pitch black, cool night, I felt happy. Happy to have experienced something so different and exciting. But also happy to have done it by myself. I used to make fun of a friend who always went to the cinema alone. I think it was because I was uncomfortable with the idea of how I would feel if it were me, sitting there by myself. But you know what? It was pretty great. And I even spoke to the people next to me, shock horror!!! They turned out to be lovely by the way and photo creds to Rhiannon for the shot of me in the cave.

So yeah – “C date” feels somewhat like a dating myself accomplishment. The remaining 23 have a lot to live up to. Huge Thanks again to Village Green Events/The Village Screen for inviting me along. Get yourself over to their website to find out if there is a pop up cinema coming to a cave -other cool venues are available – near you. (Hint…..Wouldn’t Halloween be the perfect occasion 🤔)

Beth Anne xoxo