The Clwyd Theatr Cymru in Mold might strike you as an unusual venue for advanced screening of THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES, and you’d be right. Until, of course, you realise that this particular event was organised by Welsh local Royd Tolkien (show below), great grandson of J.R.R. Tolkien in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the nearby Neuro Centre in Saltney and Nightingale House Hospice in Wrexham. Royd said, “My brother, Mike, has Motor Neurone Disease and the support and treatment he’s received from local centres has been outstanding. “

A great many people descended on the small venue, not only to aid this very good cause (which is known as ALS in the United States) but also to catch a sneak peek at the new HOBBIT movie, which comes out on December 12th. In addition to a gallery of stills from the movie, fans were treated to a bonus extra; the cast of the movie had a special message for those who came to the venue, with various stars expressing their support for the event and the various charities involved.

Local restaurant The Celtic Arms put on a spread for the lucky participants after the movie, and the guests were also treated to a special performance by Welsh alternative rock band, The Joy Formidable. Thanks to no small amount of mulled wine, a good movie, and some very pleasant music, the event went extremely well and we understand that a large amount of cash was raised for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, both through the event itself and via a secret auction for a wide variety of Middle Earth related goodies.

You can read STARBURST’s take on the movie here.

Credit for the above photos goes to Anne Davies. 

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