This follows the inaugural screening last night of Wal E.

The outdoor cinema is now a summer entertainment reality in Wauchope and across the Hastings with a total of five nights of free movies planned.

Hastings Moonlight Movies will feature two screenings in Bain Park Wauchope and three screenings on Port Macquarie's Town Green.

According to Andrew Roach, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council General Manager one of the aims for the event is to create business in the CBD of both towns.

"We obviously have a lot of tourists in the Hastings at this time of year and putting on a family friendly event in the centre of Port Macquarie and Wauchope creates a reason for people to support the restaurants, take-aways and other businesses in the CBD," he said.

"Outdoor cinema is a perfect family friendly, relaxed form of entertainment for summer and I'm thrilled we've been able to work with Country Energy as the other major sponsor to make it happen," said Mr Roach.

"The events present local Chambers of Commerce and small businesses with the opportunity to leverage off the many CBD visitors that are expected to participate in these events - a key aspect of driving business growth within our town centres," said Mr Besseling.

Patrons are encouraged to bring blankets or folding chairs with movies set to commence on dark just after 8:00pm. More details are available at www.hastingsmoonlightmovies.com.a u