Bury St Edmunds resident hires out Cineworld screen for community to watch Disney’s Elemental

A Bury St Edmunds resident has embarked on his next random act of kindness by hiring a cinema screen for the community.

Thomas Howard, 27, had been planning to do something nice for the community since Halloween last year and decided to put the money towards hiring a screen at the town’s Cineworld and providing snacks and drinks for the film.

He said: “I’ve been acutely aware that a lot of people, including myself, have been struggling financially. I think the atmosphere in general is a bit more gloomy everywhere. Because of that I’ve been trying to do things in the community.

“Halloween last year I gave out treat bags to people who couldn’t go trick-or-treating or who couldn’t afford costumes.

“I’ve also done litterpicking and I thought ‘what else can I do to help support people?’

“I saw online that you can hire cinema screens so I thought I could invite those who usually don’t go or can’t afford to go.

“I was overwhelmed by the response.”

Tom has chosen the Disney film Elemental and has booked the screen for July 20 at 4pm.

He said 32 people have already said they are going and has capped the number of places at 40.

As someone who has autism and suffers sensory overloads, Tom wanted to ensure the screen is spacious for those with disabilities and learning needs.

He hopes to potentially do something similar on a bigger scale in the future.

“Other people have got in touch and are offering to help, so perhaps we can do other events,” he added.

“It might spiral into something that lasts forever.”

Tom said he’ll also carry on the Halloween treat bags this year on a bigger scale.

To book a space email: freecinemascreening@outlook.com. Spaces are limited.