We’ve placed an order for sunshine on Saturday, when the Ashburton Domain will host an outdoor movie to help celebrate its 160th birthday.

The Disney Pixar movie Inside Out will be on the big screen at the grassed area near the paddling pool on the corner of Walnut Avenue and West Street/SH1.

The evening of entertainment will start from 5pm with the opening of the food court. Live pre-show entertainment will begin at 5.30pm and include a special quiz for the kids that will test their knowledge of the domain, with a green-thumb hamper for the winner.

The movie will start at 6.30pm and it’s one that will appeal to both adults and children. People are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket or fold-up chair with them, and while the forecast is for fine weather, a warm coat would be a good idea in case the evening gets chilly.

Deputy Mayor Liz McMillan said the domain was truly a gem in the town’s crown, and loved by the community and all those who visited it regularly for sport or a nature fix.

“If you want to know a little about the domain’s past, to prepare for the pre-movie quiz, I suggest people find some of the special sound points that have been installed around the domain recently and listen to stories about its past.”

There are five sound points that people can access by using their phone to scan QR codes; they will be able to listen to three-minute stories that include ice skating carnivals, giant grazing cattlebeasts, sporting occasions and trees planted to commemorate special people.

Open Spaces Manager Ian Soper said the domain had packed a lot into its 160 years.

“It was once known as the Grange and described as a bit of a wilderness, but over the years it has been developed and improved to the place we know and love today. It is an important place for the local community and visitors, and the Open Spaces team takes a lot of pride in managing it for the enjoyment of future generations.”

New points of interest include a conifer collection, a new herb garden and the expansion of the butterfly and wildflower garden.

The butterfly garden was the domain’s aviary until 2021, when the birds were relocated and the area repaved and replanted to encourage butterflies and other biodiversity.