Ashton quizmaster Ste-J is set to host a Big Screen Movie Quiz at The Arc Cinema in Preston city centre.
The interactive evening is set to test the film knowledge of competitors, with questions delivered on the cinema screen and answered via smartphone.
The collaboration with Ste-J – real name Stephen Kershaw – came about after he ran a quiz earlier this year to mark Arc coming to the new Animate leisure complex.
Ste told Blog Preston: “When Arc open a new cinema, they often host a quiz to announce themselves to the community. They hosted one at The Adelphi – it was a sell out, and everyone loved it.
“Arc got in touch and asked if I wanted to host the next one, but instead we’d do it at the cinema. This is great because we can utilise the big screen and the sound system.”
Teams will use the SpeedQuizzing app, which has features such as fastest finger and picture rounds that appear on your phone.
Ste adds: “You can also choose your buzzer sound and upload a team picture, which is great because when you’re the fastest finger, you’ll get your face on the big screen!”
Apart from seeing yourself in giant format, why should people go along?
“A quiz in a cinema is a unique opportunity,” says Ste. “Especially for people who are passionate about films and quizzes. You get free popcorn, oh, and the prizes will be huge! A £200 gift card for The Arc Cinema, plus tickets to see the anniversary showing of Back To The Future where there will be an actual DeLorean. We’ll also be giving away loads of free cinema tickets and spot prizes.”
Although Ste grew up in Burnley, he came to Preston 14 years ago to study, then fell in love with the city and never left. Readers may recognise Ste from being in local band Templebys, who played festivals including Kendal Calling and once supported Martha Reeves & The Vandellas.
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Having previously worked behind the bar at The Adelphi and hosted events casually for over 10 years, Ste left his job as a Project Administrator at Conlon Construction three years ago to pursue ‘Ste-J’ full time.
“While I was working at The Adelphi, I hosted the open mic night every Friday. That went well, and eventually I became the go-to guy for covering the quiz or DJing. I eventually took over the quiz full time, and got offered more and more work.
“These days I regularly host a quiz and bingo at The Adelphi, the LGBTQ+ karaoke night at Market Tavern, and a quiz at The Wellington in Ashton. I also take private bookings, and host special one-off events such as an all day-quiz earlier this year where we raised £600 for Lancashire LGBT.”
When asked about his plans for the future, Ste says: “We already have another Big Screen Movie Quiz booked in for October. And if it continues to be popular, we’ll be doing it every first Wednesday of the month.
“I’m also free on Sundays, if anyone needs a new quiz guy.”
To find out more about the Big Screen Movie Quiz with Ste-J, visit The Arc Cinema website.
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