A mum says she prepares a whole picnic when she goes to the cinema with her children and saves just short of £50 each time – but some believe bringing your own snacks should be banned
A woman says she is “not scared to look silly” with her money-saving hack when heading out for a cinema trip.
Going to the cinema is a fun activity for all the family and a great way to entertain kids during the school holidays. But it’s no secret that seeing a new film on the big screen can cost a pretty penny by the time you have bought your tickets, food snacks, and drinks.
Smuggling food and drink into the big screen can often feel like a crime. Food is a huge revenue spinner for cinema chains so ideally, they would prefer you to spend your cash with them. But over the last few years it has been confirmed that you are allowed to bring in food and drinks in certain cinemas, however there are guidelines on what you can and can’t bring.
Thrifty mum-of-four Casey Major Brunce has admitted she feels no shame in taking her own snacks into the cinema for her family. She admitted on her Instagram page that she prioritises her family having fun that feeling “cringe” about bringing in her own food – but she has received some backlash after revealing that she takes in a whole picnic.
Casey, from Portsmouth, said on her Instagram page @majormumhacks that she packed buns, nachos, melted cheese, and condiments. She said: “Buying snacks outside of the house can be extortionate and I’m here to help parents save money and not feel guilty saying no all the time. I save waste too by reusing plastic cups from takeaways. Taking our snacks and drinks in saved me £46.80 and I’ll do it again.”
A number of people applauded her, as one said: “This is a fantastic hack! Nobody is forcing anyone to do this.. if you want to buy snacks buy them, if you want to take your own popcorn fine. Just keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll be helping so many people!”
Another added: “Love the idea of this. You’ve purchased ingredients for the price of one Nachos at the cinema. Well thought and good on you.” But she was also inundated with backlash from others who thought she took her cinema snack-hack too far.
One said: “Unpopular opinion but I think this is taking the p**s. I get that it’s saving money but soon cinemas will enforce no food allowed in which would ruin it for everyone.” “When did people start needing a three course meal to watch a film,” another wrote.
Casey commented: “For the most part people love my videos and hacks. I always try and keep costs down and give tips for mums to make the seasons and time they spend with their children special because it is tough at the moment.
“Everyone is feeling the effects of rising living costs, childcare fees and food shopping. I try and make things easier for mums and show that I’m normal and doing my best too. I can’t let negativity get me down. I’m on a mission to share that simple hacks can have a big impact.”
“I’m not afraid to look silly for my family,” she added.
Do you have a story? Get in touch via [email protected].
