Toy Show to make big-screen debut in aid of SVP

The biggest night in the Christmas TV schedule is about to get even bigger.

A Cork cinema has announced a special charity screening of The Late Late Toy Show on the big screen this Friday to help families struggling to make ends meet.

Host Ryan Tubridy is expected to chose his signature Christmas jumper for Friday’s much-anticipated show in the coming days.

He has also invited Cavan youngster Fergal Smith to co-present the show after he received an email from the 11-year-old, who said he suffered from ‘middle child syndrome’.

Last night, managers at the Reel Picture cinema in Ballincollig said they will screen the show live on one of their biggest screens.

The tickets for the family-focused screening are free, on condition that patrons donate a special gift to the Society of St Vincent de Paul.

“The Late Late Toy Show has become a major event in many an Irish household, and marks the beginning of Christmas for families all around the country,” duty manager Nicola O’Dowda said.

“And this year, we are delighted to be making it available to see live on the big screen.

“Tickets are free. All we ask is that, when you are collecting your tickets you donate a new gift, and leave it under the St Vincent de Paul Giving Tree, which will be located in the cinema.”

Cinema staff have also encouraged people to get into the Christmas spirit by dressing up in festive gear, or by wearing their best Christmas jumper.

The SVP has issued a special toy appeal this year so that it can help make Christmas special for older children and teenagers in particular.

A spokesperson for the charity said they have been overwhelmed by the volume of gift and toy donations suitable for younger children.

She said the SVP would be delighted to also accept gift vouchers so that they can be distributed to older children.

The charity screening will be the highlight of events in Ballincollig on Friday to mark the Christmas countdown.

Ballincollig Tidy Towns Associations will unveil the plaque the town won in the European Entente Florale competition earlier this year at the Coach House, in front of Ballincollig Shopping Centre, at 6.30pm, before the town’s Christmas lights are turned on at 7pm.

* The Reel Cinema box office is open from 1pm to 9pm. Tel: [phone].