The hugely-popular Newcastle Permanent’s Cinema Under the Stars is back – and set to be better than ever.

Heading to 11 stunning locations throughout regional NSW, including Lake Macquarie, Maitland and Newcastle, the family-friendly event has returned after an almost two-year hiatus.

But, it will still offer all the ingredients for the perfect summer night out – music from local artists, games for kids, roving characters from the movie for that photo moment, football activities and a blockbuster movie under the stars.

In 2022, Speers Point Park will host Space Jam: A New Legacy on 11 February; Tom and Jerry are bound for the Maitland Showground on 4 March; and Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway is hopping into King Edward Park on 12 March.

Entry is free and movie-goers are encouraged to bring along their rugs and picnics or you can purchase food and non-alcoholic drinks at the event.

Newcastle Permanent CEO Bernadette Inglis is delighted regional communities can once again get together and enjoy Australia’s largest free outdoor cinema program.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have our iconic Cinema Under the Stars event locked in to return in 2022,” she said.

“The past two years have been really challenging, with major weather events and ongoing lockdowns and restrictions impacting our ability to connect in person with everyone as much as we would have liked.

“However, with the near year comes new opportunity, and as a proud customer-owned organisation, we’re delighted to be back, delivering 11 events throughout regional New South Wales this summer and giving back to our local communities.”

Ms Inglis said she was looking forward to viewing family favourites such as Space Jam: A New Legacy (PG), Tom and Jerry (G) and Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway (G).

“Our Cinema Under the Stars event is just one of the ways that we’re supporting the good stuff in our community,” she added.

“Be sure to mark your calendars, gather your friends and families and pack your picnic for a beautiful evening under the stars.”

Head to www.newcastlepermanent.com.au/cinema and follow the events on Facebook to find all the info on the upcoming Cinema Under the Stars dates.

Cinema Under the Stars

• 11 February: LAKE MACQUARIE – Speers Point Park (Space Jam: A New Legacy – PG, 2021)
• 4 March: MAITLAND – Maitland Showground (Tom and Jerry – G, 2021)
• 12 March: NEWCASTLE – King Edward Park (Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway – G, 2021)

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.