HMS Trincomalee staff Lorraine Fenwick, left, and Joanne Walker.
More film screenings could be on the way on a historic ship after the success of a festive showing.
HMS Trincomalee held a Christmas Eve screening of Polar Express. It was the first time a film had been tried, and it worked wonders.
Children were encouraged to come along in their pyjamas, and bring their Teddy bears and blankets. As they got ready to watch the film, they were handed hot chocolate and cookies. After the film was over, they got a present from Santa Claus.
The debut event was a huge success and ship bosses are now considering more shows, especially as the ship’s projection system has also been recently upgraded.
This has already proven to be a very useful addition to the function of the professional sound system and the quality of film screenings that the HMS Trincomalee Trust is able to host on board ship.
The screening of Polar Express was held in the captain’s cabin using the new system, which attracted lots of favourable comments. As a result, further film screenings have been requested.
The screening is just one example of the increased interest in the ship.
The trust will also begin to focus more on its plans for fundraising for the 2017 bicentenary celebrations.
“They will begin in earnest at the end of March and run for two years effectively. We are making the ship function ready,” said Mr Olsen.
HMS Trincomalee is berthed afloat at Hartlepool’s Historic Quay, where she has been a major tourist attraction for the past 27 years.