Last Friday evening, the Tivoli Drive-In’s towering screen glowed, as patrons and vehicles gathered to farewell a local icon that has shaped Ipswich nights for half a century.
A substantial crowd turned out for what was billed as the final community event at the site. Despite relentless rain, vehicles streamed through the gates, windscreens fogged, wipers on, and families settling in for one last show under the night sky.
Presented by Goodness Enterprises and Radioactive Pictures, TAKEOVER: After Dark, was a one-night cultural festival, blending car culture, live music and food.
Prior to the final screening, Fred Muys, CEO of Goodness Enterprises, reflected on a past projection mishap.
“One of the first previews I screened was ‘The good, the bad, and the ugly’,” he said, noting the film’s title was fitting.
“It started off good, because we got a picture, the thing that was bad, was we never got the sound synced with it, because we put it on the wrong lens, and the thing that was ugly was the last linked movie, we taped it back to front and instead of riding into the sunset, they rode out!”
Geoff North, who built the Tivoli and devoted five decades to its growth and care, Geoff North, who built the Tivoli and devoted five decades to its growth and care, recalled the standout moment:
“Crocodile Dundee. We had that for two weeks, and it was exclusive to this theatre. We were the first to show it. We were doing two sessions a night and for that reason we were packed out, lined right around to the highway, waiting to get in on the second session.” said Geoff.
We asked patrons if they thought there was still a place for drive in theatres.
Ipswich local Bec Johnston:
“Absolutely. It’s the memories that you create. It’s the whole atmosphere. And roller skating girls!”
Parked in their 1962 EK Holden, Deb and Paul McLean reflected on decades of family outings.
“My kids come here. My grandkids come here. We come here. All of us used to.” said Deb.
“For people our age, it just takes us back to memories when we’re young.” said Paul.
Others agreed.
“It’s nice to be able to get outside and get in the community, and actually see people and do something togethe.r” said Eliza Shaw.
“It’s my first time at a drive in theatre, and it’s an awesome experience. If there is another one, we’d definetely go there.” Sellwyn Dsouza.
“I think people will definitely miss it. They’ll miss it when it’s gone.And we’re losing things like that.” said Jack Mackey.
Maxine Hamilton: “We started coming regularly because it was better than coming to a cinema. You’re away from people. You get more freedom to move around. We are going to miss it. We upgraded the car to be able to sit in the boot and watch it.” she said.
Addressing the crowd, Mr Muys thanked the community for their support.
“Our movies may cease, but the spirit and the soul of Tivoli drive in will live on.” he said.
Horns sounded in chorus and headlights blinked in salute. In the rain and in the glow of the screen, it was Tivoli’s final chapter.
