THE former headquarters of Pilkingtons will be transformed into a drive-in outdoor cinema as part of an innovative arts event.

The Invisible City will come to town this November launched by the Heart of Glass in partnership with Abandon Normal Devices at Alexandra Park.

The cinematic event will feature an outdoor screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window starring Grace Kelly and the world premiere of a new short film by artist Liam Young entitled Where the City Can't See. Set in the not-too-distant future it features a world where Google Maps, urban management systems and CCTV surveillance are not only mapping our cities, but ruling them.

The unique event will see a choice of viewing options including ‘drive-in’ and ‘viewing gallery’.

During the day people can also take quasi-fictional tours of the former Pilks base to be led by artist Michelle Browne. Looking at themes of transparency and invisibility, the tours will also give participants a behind the scenes insight into the history, architecture and memories of the iconic Alexandra Park.

In the days leading up to the main event there will be the opportunity to attend a choice of three themed film screenings in the former Pilkington Glass Board Room for a small audience, featuring landmark counter-surveillance films The Conversation and Red Road.

Patrick Fox, director of the Heart of Glass, said: “The event will be a unique opportunity to see the former Pilkington site from a different perspective, including the chance to take a tour that includes areas never before seen by the public. We have a fantastic programme of work on offer, and we’re excited to animate this iconic site in a new and exciting way.”

Gabrielle Jenks, director of Abandon Normal Devices, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Heart of Glass in St Helens. We’ve been collaborating closely with the partners and artists over the last year, with the aim of creating a project that will engage audiences in the landscape that surrounds them.

"In November, we transform Alexandra Park into a home for sonic and cinematic espionage for a night of surveillance cinema.”

The main event is on Saturday, November 12 at 7pm with tours during that day.

Screenings in the Board Room take place on November 8, 9 and 10 at 7pm.

Ticket prices for the main event are £6 for seated cinema with concessions at £4 and drive-in tickets at £12 per car.

They can be purchased at heartofglass.org.uk or in person by cash only every Wednesday from 10am to 4pm at the Heart of Glass Office at the Old Beecham Building.

Tours are free but must be booked on eventbrite.co.uk or heartofglass.org.uk

For Board Room Screenings tickets are free but must be booked by visiting heartofglass.org.uk or in person at the Heart of Glass office.