Families came out in their droves to Broadway Gardens over the weekend for an outdoor screening triple header.

Letchworth’s appetite for outdoor cinema remains in rude health with more than 2,000 tickets being sold for Broadway Cinema’s film feast.

The weather didn’t put people off on Friday evening, as families turned out armed with umbrellas to see Indiana Jones in Steven Spielberg’s 1981 swashbuckling adventure, Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Sandwiched in between Sunday’s curtain closing Back to the Future was a showing of Mamma Mia – which sold out weeks before the event.

Jason Valentine, who is venues manager for Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation, said: “It was a fantastic weekend.

“People showed their spirit coming along and enjoying the film despite the rain on Friday. Then on Saturday and Sunday people came earlier, brought a picnic and really made an event of it. There was a great atmosphere.

“Many more were nipping out for pizza or fish and chips so hopefully local restaurants and retailers enjoyed a spin-off.

“We want to say a big thank you to North Herts District Council for working with us to put on such great events. And to ST John’s Ambulance and local Scouts who helped us tidy up.

“Overall we had more than 9,300 people visit the screenings, cinema, Arts Centre and Standalone Farm this weekend, and our staff and crew were fantastic.”

Councillor Lynda Needham, who is leader of the district council, said: “We are delighted that the Broadway Gardens film screenings were such a success and are happy to support these events.

“Watching films in the outdoors, in a lovely setting is a wonderful way to get together with friends and family and luckily the weather held out for most of the weekend.”