The City Screen Picture House in York was one of only a handful in the whole of the UK to host the special Harry Styles screening for a lucky few.
We saw him rise to stardom on the X Factor back in 2010 at just sixteen, then watched as he dominated the global charts with One Direction, now years later, as a solo artist, fans eagerly anticipate what will come next from Pop star Harry Styles.
Recently, Harry dropped his latest album called Kiss All The Time, Disco Occasionally.
A different listening experience for hardcore fans, who call themselves ‘Harries’, as the music is more dance-pop rather than just his usual Pop and Rock.
His ‘One Night In Manchester’ concert was almost impossible to get tickets for, yet fully sold out even without fans having time to become familiar with his newest singles.
Netflix filmed this concert (his first in three years) and Styles’ team chose six lucky UK cities to hold private cinema screenings.
York’s a chosen city !
York’s City Screen Picturehouse won the golden ticket to hold a screening of the Netflix special for invited fans only.
Fans (Harries) queued for entry into the cinema down York’s Coney Street restlessly waiting to take their seat.
As people went inside they were greeted with complimentary branded popcorn, lanyards, and posters to remember the event.
Millie Warboys is an avid fan of the popstar and was lucky enough to be one of the chosen 441 to get an invite to York’s Screening.
The 21 year old says : “York doesn’t get much celebrity interaction, I was over the moon .”
The doors opened at 5pm but some fans arrived early at 3pm.
This was to make sure they got the best seats and first dibs on the exclusive cinema merch.
Fans had to show their ID at the doors to prove that they were invited to the private screening.
Millie was even lucky enough to be able to take home the advertising poster that welcomed fans into the cinema.
“It is so much more than just music”
When One Direction split most fans continued to support each member of the band separately.
Harry becoming the most popular with 68.6 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
Millie shared: “I discovered Harry at a really hard time in my life and his songs have been with me through pivotal moments.”
“I’ve experienced bullying and struggles with my mental health, but my love of Harry has allowed me to make wonderful friends.”
Naomi Ming a student at the University of York also got an invite to the screening.
Naomi, 19 said: “Harry’s music has shaped my life as I’ve met some of my best friends because of our shared love him and of his live music.”
“Live music would be nothing without the community of fans.”
Being a ‘Harrie’ isn’t just about enjoying his music and supporting his career by following him on tour.
Loyal fans say they spread Harry’s message of love and treating people with kindness and with enthusiasm.
By dedicating their time into uplifting each other, they stand up against hatred.
What does this screening mean for York?
The city of York lacks large enough venues to hold concerts for major stars like Harry.
So is it being chosen for an event like this, going to bring York good publicity?
Although most attendees had a great time singing and dancing together, many invited fans couldn’t attend.
Instead of three screens being filled it is said that only half of one screen was filled.
Millie said: “I sat with friends I’d made in the queue, and we were having the time of our lives, boogying and dancing away in the back row.”
“But I think the atmosphere would 100% have been so much better if the place was full like anticipated.”
It is said that it wasn’t only York that struggled for numbers but also all the other 5 cities.
Naomi Ming said: “I love York getting an event as it is very convenient for fans like me living here instead of usually having to travel.”
Events like these in York boost the economic growth of small businesses and let residents stay close to home while still enjoying a celebrity event.
Naomi believes: “it is a fault of the organizers not the city…they caused the quiet turnout, not the individual cinemas.”
Naomi hopes this event has been a catalyst for other artists to choose York as a special screening location.
Harry superfan, 19 year old Lacie Peters certainly hopes that another screening could be on the cards.
She had a ticket for this event but was unable to go since she says the organisers didn’t give enough warning.
The Yorkie has approached the organisers of the event for comment, but have yet to receive a response.
Lacie says : “The most welcoming and supportive people make up his fanbase, and as fans we celebrate individuality and kindness to everyone.”
“Harry has a way of making people feel seen, whether that is through his lyrics or the way he interacts with fans,
“The environment he creates gives everyone the freedom to be themselves without judgement.”
“That is why I and many others love him.”
