New Hartlepool drive-in cinema which hailed 'incredible demand' closes after two months

Nightflix Hartlepool began showing films on a large outdoor screen at land near The Sports Domes, at Seaton Carew, at the start of May.

But operators reportedly packed up all equipment and left the site towards the end of last week.

The screen, portable cabins and signage have all disappeared and there has been no official explanation from the business.

Nightflix bosses previously said the venue had been well received in its first few weeks.

A spokesman said in May: “Following the incredible demand we’ve seen with our Nightflix drive-in cinema events, we wanted to continue bringing this experience to a wider audience, which has been well received so far by the community at Hartlepool after a long year of lockdown.

“We want to treat them with their favourite films, drinks, and delicious food in a safe environment.”

Then just weeks ago in early June the chain said it planned to show some of this summer’s biggest blockbusters after seeing “amazing demand” at its sites around the UK.

Audiences in Hartlepool were told they would be able to enjoy the latest films including The Quiet Place 2, In The Heights, Cruella, Fast & Furious 9, The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard and Marvel’s Black Widow from the comfort of their own cars.

The company said it was continuing to expand its operations with the aim of becoming the most engaging and community orientated drive-in cinema operator in the UK.

But Hartlepool is not listed as one of Nightflix’s five locations on the company’s website.

And when approached by the Mail for comment, a Nightflix spokesperson said that the business has no further statement at this time.

OzSeeker, trading as Nightflix gained permission from Hartlepool Borough Council to display films at the site from 9am until 2am seven days a week.

The licensing application also allowed the site to offer refreshments until 2am, although not alcohol.

Founded in 2019, Nightflix currently has drive-in cinemas in Milton Keynes, Colchester, in Essex, Newark, in Nottinghamshire, and Longmoor, in Hampshire.

A new site at Bordon, also in Hampshire, is due to open later this month.

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