A TYWYN cinema is to open its doors on Christmas Day to offer food and friendship to those who would otherwise be spending the day alone.

The Magic Lantern is to lay on a free, socially distanced Christmas lunch, film screening, games, quizzes and musical performances for anyone who wants to attend.

Those who would like to join in but prefer to stay at home can book a visit from the cinema’s Christmas ‘elves’, who will deliver a Yuletide hamper – with gifts donated by local businesses and individuals – stay for a chat and even sing Christmas carols or put on a mini festive show.

It will be the third time the Magic Lantern has opened its doors on Christmas Day to people who live alone, as well as couples and families who may not be seeing anyone else over the festive period.

Organisers are appealing for volunteers to fill a variety of roles to ensure the event’s success, including waiters, caterers and entertainers.

“We are once again planning a community Christmas Day event at the Lantern and although for Covid reasons it will be slightly different, we still hope to be able to provide a day of food, film, fun and friendship for people in Tywyn and surrounding areas who would otherwise be on their own or feel lonely over Christmas,” explains Sara Waddington, event organiser and co-owner of the Magic Lantern, which was this year named among the top 50 cinemas in the UK and Ireland by Time Out magazine.

She added: “While the main focus of the day is companionship, it would be irresponsible to encourage vulnerable people to mingle, so the event will the socially distanced. Anyone who doesn’t feel comfortable coming out to a community event, or isn’t able to due to health reasons, can book an elf visit to their home.”

Guests attending the event will be served at tables one-metre distance apart by volunteers acting as ushers and waiters. A Christmas film will be screened during lunch, after which the entertainment will include games and performances on the main stage.

Sara would like to hear from anyone willing to help out either in the run-up to the event or on Christmas Day itself.

“For the event to be a success, we need a lot of Christmas ‘elves’ to help out before and after the event,’ she explains. ‘Local people have been quick to offer their services in previous years and I’m confident they will be again this time.”

Organisers need ‘decorating elves’ to set up the event, ‘taxi elves’ with DBS certificates to drive people to and from the event and ‘delivery elves’ to dress up and visit people’s homes.

‘On the day itself, we also need waiters, ushers and caterers, as well as performers – musicians, singers, poets, dancers and comedians are all welcome,’ says Sara.

Anyone willing to volunteer their services or skills should email Sara at [email protected].