Review: The Snowman Experience at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

When visiting Hyde Park Winter Wonderland this week we had been invited to review Backyard Cinema’s The Snowman Experience, which takes visitors on a multi-room cinema screening celebrating the 40th anniversary of Raymond Briggs’ picture book classic The Snowman.

By the time we reached the venue in the middle of the park, we had already enjoyed a spin in a flying bauble on a musical Christmas tree and a stop at a Churros stall and I was starting to feel we were all ready to sit down. The children were excited to see The Snowman signs, and quickly fell in love with a giant cuddly Snowman in the gift shop when we were waiting for the next performance to start.

The immersive cinematic experience, which starts every 20 minutes, kicks off with a family photo opportunity before audiences are led into the first room, set up with props representing areas in the boy’s home around the screen. There were long benches to sit on when watching the first part of the film that takes place inside, and after the Snowman has come to life and it’s time for the boy to join him on a journey away from the home, the cinematic experience continues in a new standing-only room decorated with trees and Christmas lights.

The short journey continues through magical wintery paths and finishes up in a room remarking the celebration at the end of the film. We were sitting on benches on two sides of a long party-themed table (see pictures) when watching the last part of the film, and the highlight was a charming someone making an appearance!

Backyard Cinema’s The Snowman Experience at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is suited for families-and it made for a welcome break from the fun fair rides and outdoor activities when the park was starting to get more crowded.

Tags: Backyard Cinema, Christmas 2018, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Review, The Snowman, The Snowman Experience