Children were smiling from ear to ear as they met minions Stuart, Kevin and Bob ahead of an exclusive screening of the movie.
Excited disabled and sick children from two Hillingdon schools were among 1,000 pupils and their carers who descended on the Odeon Leicester Square, famed for its red carpet premieres, to watch Minions on Tuesday (February 9).
The screening was organised as part of celebrating 50 years of children’s charity Variety’s Great Days Out programme, with many of the children never having been to a cinema before.
Around 850 pupils, from 24 schools across London, Middlesex, Surrey and Buckinghamshire, including west London’s Meadow High School in Hillingdon and Young People’s Academy in West Drayton.
Miguel Lois, form tutor of Year 7 from Meadow High School, said: “I witnessed how well children engaged with the movie and the events that preceded, with the main characters in the stage!
“The kids were hugely thrilled by the minions and everything went as smooth as expected. They laughed and spent an unusual and enjoyable morning.
“A huge thank you to Variety Club for letting us being present.”
Pamela Sinclair, chief barker of Variety , said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to host so many children at the one time, to celebrate our 50th Anniversary of Variety Great Days Out.
“Many of these children will never have been to the cinema and so this is a very important part of our commitment to helping children make the most of their childhoods.”
Since 1966 the charity has taken over two million sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people on days out across the country, to creating memorable childhood experiences.
