Films could become regular event on historic Hartlepool ship

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.

David McKnight,general manager at HMS Trincomalee, said: “Over the past 12 months, we have had a sizeable increase in the number of events including business functions and weddings being hosted on board. As well as the gun deck and captain’s cabin, the mess deck is also used for events, which provides plenty of atmosphere for guests.”

Peter Olsen, deputy chairman of HMS Trincomalee Trust, said: “The trustees are sounding out interest for 2017 functions. Now is the time to be doing that and we need to make sure we have the space available for them.”

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.