There's one event which always packs out the giant theatre at United Cinemas, The Edge - The Banff Mountains Film Festival.
And next Thursday August 13 while COVID restrictions will be in place - the 2020 Banff Mountain Film Festival at the Edge will still go ahead, but with reduced numbers to keep COVID-safe.
"To keep in-line with current NSW government regulations the capacity has been drastically reduced to stay in line with the current government social distancing measures," CEO and founder Adventure Reels, Jemima Robinson, said.
"That means that there will be plenty of room in the cinema for all attendees to maintain the recommended social distancing space. It also means that this event will sell out quickly."
The films showcase a carefully curated selection of the best films from Canada's famous nine-day international festival. It features adventurer Justin Jones and his family and their Australian epic Crossing the Outback. With their one-year-old daughter, Lauren and Justin Jones set out on a journey to walk 1800km on an unaccompanied, self supported expedition from the centre of Australia (Docker River, NT) to the coast (Port Augusta, SA). 'Jonesy' and his family did a lot of training in the Blue Mountains for the expedition to the desert.
Then there's also ice climbing in Kentucky, an offbeat documentary that takes us for a bourbon-fuelled ride, deep into the bushy hollers of Appalachia with a crew of harmless misfits as they race to search out and climb new ice routes before they're gone. French athlete Nouria Newman's story is another highlight, as she embarks on a 375km solo kayaking expedition down the most remote and daunting rivers in the Indian Himalaya. There are eight films in total.
Competitions are always popular at Banff. This year to avoid sharing pens and the close proximity of the competition entry table, all entries will be online so have your smartphone charged.
"Things will be a little different this year but we are very much looking forward to sharing the inspiring films in the 2020 program with you on the BIG screen while keeping COVID safe," Ms Robinson added.
To maintain health standards the team at United Cinemas has implemented an intensive cleaning regime, providing free hand sanitiser and all transactions will be contactless (i.e. no cash). Cinemagoers can review health and safety guidelines at https://unitedcinemas.com.au/news/3.
The event runs for three hours and bookings can be made at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/banff-mountain-film-festival-katoomba-13-aug-2020-tickets-73915271567