How to turn a trip to the movies into a truly special occasion

For Karen, Starts at 60’s Book Club Coordinator, entertainment was once a solitary pleasure.

“Many long years ago, when I was single, I used to go to ballets and operas and concerts on my own. And the first time you sat next to somebody, it was just a simple ‘hello’”.

It was only a matter of time before this changed. Seeing the same familiar faces over time, and sharing a space with like-minded fans, she soon found herself bonding with fellow theatregoers.

“By the time we got towards the end of the season, we were having coffees together. We were spending intervals together. We were forming very real friendships”.

Karen has now rediscovered the same joy at the cinema.

Event Cinemas’ Seniors Morning Teas – held every few weeks around Australia – have brought something much-needed back to the movies: the social aspect.

“I think they’re absolutely fabulous,” she says.

For the budget conscious, it’s a tremendous way to get bang for your buck, with free coffee and cake added to the already-discounted $8.50 tickets. But it’s the atmosphere that really makes these mornings something special.

“What’s really remarkable is that people actually talk to each other. If not the first time, then the second time”.

Karen and her husband John have now made these morning teas a regular indulgence. In the last month they’ve enjoyed Bridge of Spies and The Dressmaker at their local Loganholme cinema, and have noticed a real sense of community developing among the regulars.

“The Dressmaker screening was absolutely packed. It’s a real morning out for people”.

It’s also becoming a great option with her library book club. “Where else are you going to find coffee and cake for under ten bucks – let alone a movie?”

Organisers will often go above and beyond to make it a special occasion. The recent Bridge of Spies morning tea had 3-4 giveaways in the mix, and it’s these little touches that Karen says make this a genuine event.

“I really appreciate it when somebody not only acknowledges over-60s, but put their money where their mouth is; when they say ‘we appreciate our seniors, so come and have a coffee on us’”.

“These sessions are a great community service. I think they’re to be applauded for doing it”.

Have you attended a Seniors Morning Tea? When did you last attend a movie with friends or family? 

Seniors Morning Teas are available to all over-60s who sign up for a free Cine Buzz membership. Click here to get started!

Keen an eye on our Events Section for upcoming Seniors Morning Teas around Australia. 

This post is sponsored by Event Cinemas. It was written as we feel it delivers valuable insights into a subject important to the Starts at 60 community. For more information on Seniors Morning Teas, please see the Event Cinema website, or stay tuned to our Events Section.