Movie nights are a much-loved past-time around here: it doesn’t get much better than a night under the stars with some great films.
They just don’t usually include dousing yourself in buckets of “blood” and being chased around by Jason or Michael Myers.
That’s all set to change when the Horror Movie Campout makes its first foray into WA, hitting Fairbridge Village on October 14 – giving you a good lead-up to Halloween.
Celebrating everything good and gory about the genre and subculture, the night will give horror heads not only a chance to see some great films, but also embrace their costuming abilities, and much more.
“It’s more than just a movie night. It’s a movie night on steroids, if you like,” Horror Movie Campout’s Amy Booth said.
“It’s got a lot in common with your Supanovas or Comic-Cons – it’s a convention, an event where everyone can get dressed up and party.
“Some of the costumes and the effort people go to is amazing.”
It helps that those involved are true fans.
Australia has traditionally never celebrated Halloween, obviously because of its American origins, but that hasn’t stopped a subculture from growing – the ongoing and pervasive nature of horror-themed art, from Faust to Final Destination, is as alive and well here as anywhere else.
“The idea came up because there wasn't really anything horror-related going on in Australia as such. In America, it's a huge industry - they've got horror events, venues, conventions, all sorts,” Ms Booth sad.
“Here, it was a bit of a niche, untouched market, so the idea kind of built out of a core group.
“It started as basically a Halloween event, but it’s grown from there.
“We’ve already held events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and the turnout was fantastic, but what we expected because we knew that this kind of thing was something a lot of people wanted.”
The big recurring draw for the event has been the amazing organisation and programming that has gone into it.
The Fairbridge event will mirror those over east, with a huge range of activities available.
“People arrive pretty early in the afternoon, and from that point there’s DJs, there’s a main stage with bands, and then there’s the Showtent stage, with magicians and food-eating competitions, all that jazz.
“Even during the actual films, there’s a silent disco going on and the bar’s open, if people want to have a drink or a dance. It get’s pretty crazy.”
One of the best parts of the event is that the movie-lineup is up to punters.
While a shortlist is picked from Horror Movie Campout’s own film buffs, ticketholders get the opportunity to vote on that selection via email.
The Horror Movie Campout hits Fairbridge Village on Saturday October 14.
Tickets and more information available through moviecampout.com.au
