Sussex’s “first drive-in arts extravaganza” promises Mozart, Verdi, film and food

Big Sky Drive-In, founded by Sussex mums Lara Leslie and Victoria Holden in lockdown, is gearing up for a weekend of drive-in opera, film, animation and food, in a new festival entitled Made in Sussex which will take place from October 2-4 in the grounds of Glynde Place in East Sussex. Tickets on www.bigskydrivein.co.uk.
Vicky Holden and Lara LeslieVicky Holden and Lara Leslie
Vicky Holden and Lara Leslie

Victoria said: “We are excited to be showing three Glyndebourne operas: La Traviata (Giuseppe Verdi), The Marriage of Figaro (Mozart) and Cosi Fan Tutte (Mozart) on a large state-of-the-art mobile LED screen. As a special thank-you to the NHS, we will give 50 free tickets for Cosi Fan Tutte to NHS staff.

“The programme will also include screenings of the 2020 film Emma, based on Jane Austen’s novel and filmed at nearby Firle Place, new release Hope Gap, filmed in Seaford by Lewes director Wiliam Nicholson, and Strike, a heartwarming animation by local company Gigglefish Animation Studios. Food and drink will be provided by Sussex caterers Seven Sisters Spices and Caccia & Tails, and the new Lewes coffee company, Tiger Moth. Drinks are locally sourced.

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“Made in Sussex has three aims: to bring more people to the arts; to provide an affordable, fun day out in a beautiful setting for all ages; and to celebrate the magic of the county of East Sussex.”

Big Sky Drive-In’s co-founders Lara and Victoria have both spent their lives working in TV, film-making and animation, with major broadcasters and household names, and in local schools.

Victoria explained: “The idea behind this venture is to celebrate the very best Sussex has to offer in a way that is original but also accessible to everyone. Glyndebourne, with its world-class reputation, is a Sussex jewel alongside the many other home made films and animation made in this beautiful place, and we have a fantastic food and drink scene here too.

“Made in Sussex combines all these elements from the comfort and safety of your car.”

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Managing director of Glyndebourne Sarah Hopwood said, “We are delighted to be able to partner with a new, local business in our own community.

“With the Glyndebourne theatre closed this year it is more important than ever to find innovative ways to give people access to opera.”

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