Since the Coronavirus forced a lockdown in the UK, Britain's bingo community has reacted with aplomb.
Whether it is games of street bingo, isolation bingo, balcony bingo or online bingo, the Brits have ensured that one of Britain's best-loved games continues.
In Scotland, plans are underway for something called the Parking Lot Social – A drive-in tour featuring films, a silent disco and our beloved bingo – amongst other things – is coming to six cities in Scotland this coming September.
XL Event Lab, a Glasgow-based events company, is hosting the events around Scotland to give the public a much-needed spirit raise and entertainment fix following months of lockdown and social restrictions.
What is The Parking Lot Social?
The Parking Lot Social is a touring event that will welcome 250 carloads to enjoy films, “car-a-oke”, bingo, silent disco, live bands, quizzes, comedy, and food.
Not just for adults, there will also be a “Social Kids” event which starts an earlier time and has more family-oriented content
Taking part via their own cars, the audience will be parked in front of a performance set, which includes two giant 40ft screens, a 52ft fire hydrant and of course what no game of car park bingo can be without – inflatable gorillas.
A spokesperson for The Parking Lot Social said:
“Each night, 250 carloads will enjoy films, car-a-oke, bingo, silent disco, live bands, quizzes, comedy and food all done in a safe, socially distant way.
“For families with younger children, a social kids’ event will offer content adapted to a younger, family-oriented audience and an earlier start time.
“Attendees will take part in the interactive event from their own cars, parked in front of a vast custom-made performance set. This spectacular installation is a blend of art and technology with two 40ft screens, a 52ft fire hydrant and a brace of inflatable gorillas standing watch over a central stage.
“Audio will be transmitted directly from the stage to custom-made wireless headphones and through a dedicated FM radio channel for listening via the car stereo.
“Keeping guests and staff safe, the whole event is designed with social distancing at its heart from entering the site, getting food delivered and taking a trip to the loo.”
“Each night on the Scottish tour is shaping up to be amazing, with the most feel-good entertainment being lined up for everyone coming along, whether they like snuggling up to a good film, belting out the classics or showing off their quiz skills.
“It’s all being done safely and responsibly, so guests and staff can take part in this interactive drive-in festival without worry. We’re working closely with local authorities to make sure that what we’ve got planned is going to be allowed and within guidelines.
Josh Kinnersley, Chief Operating Officer at XL Event Lab, said: “It really feels like everyone could do with a bit of fun just now and for us that’s vast screens, massive rainbow fire hydrants and gorillas.
“Each night on the Scottish tour is shaping up to be amazing, with the most feel-good entertainment being lined up for everyone coming along, whether they like snuggling up to a good film, belting out the classics or showing off their quiz skills.
“It’s all being done safely and responsibly, so guests and staff can take part in this interactive drive-in festival without worry.
“We’re working closely with local authorities to make sure that what we’ve got planned is going to be allowed and within guidelines.
“Over the years we’ve given over a million people around the world extraordinary experiences and we’re ready to give Scotland a (parking) lot more.”
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Ben has been an massive bingo enthusiast and fan since playing at the seaside as a kid. Dedicated to bringing you the latest and best bingo news from the UK