Lowestoft will be having a very special visitor on Tuesday 28th October 2014, as the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, a 30ft high inflatable character made famous in the movie Ghostbusters will be outside British Home Stores in London Rd North.

In celebration of the Thirtieth anniversary of the release of the original Ghostbusters movie the Marina Cinema at the town’s Marina Theatre is screening a special performance of the film on Halloween and Mr Stay Puft is coming along to help celebrate the anniversary and publicise the event.

The anniversary also marks Thirty years since the return of cinema to Lowestoft – which, following the demolition of the former Odeon and at the time, dereliction of the then Marina, had been without a cinema for some time. Thankfully Managers at the former District Amenities Department had the foresight to start screening films at the Sparrow’s Nest Theatre in the town and following the enormous success of screenings of the film Ghostbusters a full programme of big screen entertainment was presented, later transferring back to the Marina Theatre in October 1988 following the venues restoration.

Initially films at the Sparrow’s Nest were presented in 16mm before a second hand 35mm projector was purchased. The initial success lead to a brand new 35mm projector being purchased which later transferred to the Marina and served the Theatre for over 25 years before a full digital upgrade two years ago. The former projector is now proudly displayed in the Theatre Café.

Thirty years on and the Marina now boasts one of the largest cinema screens in the region and following a 250K investment in the Theatre’s sound, screen and projection equipment, the film presented in full digital clarity for the very first time in the town.

A spokesperson for the Marina said “We are delighted to be celebrating the Thirtieth Anniversary of Cinema returning to Lowestoft, with the visit on Tuesday of Mr Stay Puft and a special screening of the film that through its popularity made this possible on Friday. Without the original foresight of the Managers at the former District Amenities Department, cinema may have never returned to the town.”

The special Anniversary performance of Ghostbusters takes place at the Marina this Friday, 31 October at 7.30 with advanced tickets costing £4 each. A fancy dress competition will also take place before the screening. The Giant Mr Stay Puft Marshmallow Man will be in the town centre from 11 until 4 on Tuesday.

For more information or to book seats for the special anniversary screening of Ghostbusters please call the Marina Theatre Box Office on 01502 533200 or click online at www.marinatheatre.co.uk