A TOUCH of movie magic is just the ticket for the city’s over 60s as the Oxford Mail and Phoenix Picturehouse’s three-day Christmas festival of feel-good films kicks off on Monday.

The annual Merry Christmas Matinees are designed to give Oxford’s senior citizens an early yuletide treat.

The shows come complete with free hot drinks and mince pies and – with each film being screened at 11am – no-one has to worry about travelling home in the dark.

Matt Taylor, assistant manager of the Phoenix Picturehouse in Walton Street, said the event was a great chance to get into the festive spirit.

“Everyone always enjoys them,” he said. “The atmosphere is wonderful, and our three films this year are perfect Christmas treats.”

The morning shows are also great value for money.

Your ticket is simply a copy of that day’s Oxford Mail, which you can buy on the door.

Jeremy Smith, entertainments editor at the Mail, agrees.

He said: “It is just a lovely event which is friendly, fun and should put everyone in a festive mood.”

The mini festival kicks off on Monday morning at 11am with a screening of the classic Christmas favourite The Apartment, starring Jack Lemmon, Shirley Maclaine and Fred MacMurray.

On Tuesday, again at 11am, Audrey Tatou stars as the iconic French fashion designer in Coco Before Chanel. And, on Wednesday, to close the festival, the cinema will be screening Made in Dagenham, a cracker of a movie and this year’s surprise comedy hit. So why not treat yourself and come along? We can’t wait to see you.

  • For more information, call the Phoenix Picturehouse on 01865 316570 or Jeremy Smith at the Mail on 01865 425435.