Even though the summer season is only just underway, East Devon District Council has already received many compliments about Queen's Drive Space's events in Exmouth, with customer comments ranging from: "What a fantastic space", "Fantastic facilities, lovely food! Good job guys!" to "Great events and great food!"

A programme of three Royal Opera outdoor screenings, which took place in June and early July, has already proved a hit with audiences. Almost 800 people enjoyed watching top quality performances by the Royal Ballet of Romeo and Juliet, as well as the Royal Opera's Carmen and The Marriage of Figaro.

East Devon District Council is grateful to Exmouth Town Council for sponsoring the screenings and to Waggle Events for their assistance in organising these events in conjunction with East Devon.

It's not just about culture though and Exmouth's local business community also turned out to show that they can play and work at the same time.

On July 5, Queen's Drive Space hosted a networking event for over 50 members of Exmouth Chamber of Commerce who listened to presentations by council Leader Councillor Ben Ingham and Senior Manager Regeneration and Economic Development Alison Hayward, about the Queen's Drive project. Both talks met with much positive comment about the site and project from the business owners of Exmouth.

Queen's Drive Space's events season continues on Tuesday, July 16, when the open air cinema programme begins.

Councillor Kevin Blakey, East Devon's portfolio holder for Economy, said: "I was pleased to see that almost 800 people came to the three Royal Opera House screenings at Queen's Drive, despite the chilly weather for the first event.

"Those who attended enjoyed world-class ballet and opera performances on fine quality audio and video equipment, with plenty of food and drink choices on hand to complete the experience.

"Congratulations to all those involved, and thanks to Exmouth Town Council for sponsoring the evenings. Now for a summer of movies, with something for everyone!"

Councillor Ben Ingham, Leader of East Devon District Council, said: "I was very pleased to speak to the Exmouth Chamber of Commerce at the Queens Drive Space. Phase 3 of this project will give us the opportunity to make sure local families can visit this part of the seafront the whole year round.

"I believe we must provide some free attractions here as well as think of additional ways to raise money to pay for Phase 1.

"I am confident we can do all these things. First we need to see what ideas Wayne Hemingway has come up with. Plus we may have ideas of our own. Then at some point we will definitely need to consult with local residents.

He added: "Perhaps a public meeting is a good way of making sure we all listen to each other. Then we can make the right decisions."

More information about the films being shown, as well as other planned events, can be found by clicking the red button below.