Hundreds of foster families in Leeds enjoyed an early Christmas treat with an exclusive showing of a major new feature film, Get Santa, days before the general release – and in a cinema less than a mile down the road from where some of the star-studded cast filmed scenes.
Leeds City Council’s fostering department teamed up with Screen Yorkshire, Vue Entertainment and Warner Bros. to organise an exclusive preview screening of ‘Get Santa’ at Vue on Kirkstall Road, as a special thank you to families who foster through the council.
Get Santa was filmed at various locations across Yorkshire including many areas of Leeds such as: Harewood House, Headingley, Rothwell, Tower Works, Holbeck and Wetherby Town Hall following investment from Screen Yorkshire through its Yorkshire Content Fund. The film, which premiered in Vue at Leicester Square, only hours before the Leeds foster families were able to watch the exciting Christmas caper, starring Jim Broadbent, Warwick Davis and Rafe Spall.
The families ‘took over’ all 333 seats in one auditorium at the Vue Kirkstall Road cinema.
Councillor Judith Blake, executive board member responsible for children and families said:
“By organising treats like this, we hope to give something back to our foster carers and the children they look after. These exceptional people provide an invaluable service, giving stable and supportive homes to children in care. We have an ongoing commitment to helping them achieve the best outcomes for the children they look after, as well as recognising that they are an integral part of our team.
“Christmas can often be a difficult time for children who are in care so we are extremely grateful to Vue, Screen Yorkshire and Warner Bros. for helping to provide this amazing experience for these children, and supporting our aim to be the best city for children to grow up in.”
Sally Joynson, Chief Executive, Screen Yorkshire says:
“We’re thrilled to be working with Warners and Vue Cinemas to give children in Leeds the chance to see this very special Christmas film before anybody else – and literally just down the road from where ‘Get Santa’ was filmed! Leeds City Council’s children’s services do incredible work all year round to make Leeds one of the best cities in the UK for children and young people, so we’re delighted to be able to support them at this particularly important time.”
Rob Parker, General Manager at Vue Leeds Kirkstall, said:
“We were honoured to host local children and their foster families over the weekend for a festive treat. We admire all the brilliant work the council’s fostering team and the families working with them do, and are looking forward to continuing our support in the future.”
J Hobson, a recently approved foster carer who is foster parent to two children, said:
“Get Santa was great! The kids loved it! This trip, gave us a chance to get to know other foster carers better, and it’s great for the kids to spend time with other foster children too. It helps them have ‘normal fun’, make friends and not feel like the odd ones out.”
Leeds City Council has a dedicated ‘corporate offer’ to foster carers which gives them access to a range of support and services to help them in carrying out their important role which improves the lives of vulnerable children within the city. As well as special events like this, the council also provides foster carers with access to free gym and leisure centre facilities, discounted or free entry to local attractions and regular free events / activities. The Council’s offer to foster families relies on the continued support from organisations like Vue who have pledged to support the council’s aim to be a ‘Child Friendly City’.
Get Santa is on general release from December 5th.
