Wales’ oldest cinema orchestrated a remarkable event that combined philanthropy with entertainment.
- The Market Hall in Brynmawr raised over £1000 for the Welsh charity Tŷ Hafan.
- A world record was attempted with a marathon screening of the film ‘Groundhog Day’.
- Cameron Eynon was one of the few who lasted the entire event, earning a certificate.
- The event highlighted the deep community support for Tŷ Hafan and its vital work.
Wales’ historic Market Hall cinema in Brynmawr accomplished a noteworthy feat by raising significant funds for the renowned Welsh charity, Tŷ Hafan, while simultaneously setting its sights on a world record. The cinema hosted an extraordinary marathon screening of the beloved film ‘Groundhog Day’, featuring the iconic Bill Murray. The event, designed to repeat the movie multiple times, attracted more than 100 attendees.
Emphasising endurance and community spirit, the cinema screened the film five times in succession. Only 14 ardent moviegoers managed to remain through the entire event, which impressively spanned from 10 p.m. on Friday evening until 8 a.m. on Saturday morning. According to Peter Watkins-Hughes, the cinema’s film director, this marathon screening could potentially earn a world record for the number of repetitive screenings attended by the same audience.
Cinema manager Ralph Price communicated his delight at the success of the event, reflecting the enthusiasm shared by both staff and patrons. Adding to the unique achievement, film fan Cameron Eynon, who persevered through the marathon, received a certificate commemorating his endurance. He described the experience as surreal, stating that after the third outing, it felt genuinely like reliving a ‘Groundhog Day’.
The event garnered support from notable figures including Danny Rubin, the film’s writer, and George Fenton, its music composer. Rubin playfully reminded the audience of his contributions to the film’s humour, while Fenton acknowledged Harold Ramis, the late director, stating he would have supported their record-setting effort.
Ultimately, the real beneficiaries of this engaging event are the families assisted by Tŷ Hafan. Lucy Froley’s poignant recounting of her experience with the charity highlights its crucial role. Her son, Ezra, was diagnosed with an incurable condition, and Tŷ Hafan helped create lasting memories during his final hours. Her testimony underscores the charity’s importance in providing support and respite to families during challenging times.
The event not only underscored community spirit but also showcased the profound impact of collective philanthropic efforts.
