Pining for the pictures? Here's a guide to UK outdoor cinema this summer
Outdoor cinemas began to reopen in England this week, as part of the gradual easing of lockdown measures.
With the future of indoor cinema still uncertain (Cineworld is the only chain to announce a reopening come July 10), drive-ins and open-air screenings may prove the best option for film fans this summer. So chuck the popcorn in a tupperware, get behind the wheel and let's go to the movies.
Drive-in
More a classic part of American teen car culture than a British tradition, there are nonetheless a few permanent venues dotted around the UK, with more likely to pop up in the coming weeks.
AtTheDriveInCinema
From Mainstage Festivals comes a travelling roadshow of pop up drive-in cinemas, with six screen screenings planned across 12 UK cities this summer. Films include the Lion King, the Toy Story films, Grease, Back to the Future and Jaws.
06 - 12 July South London ♦ 15 - 19 July Birmingham ♦ 22 - 26 July Manchester ♦ 30 - 02 July Leeds ♦ 05 - 09 August Newcastle ♦ 12 - 16 August Edinburgh ♦ 19 - 23 August Glasgow ♦ 26 - 30 August Liverpool ♦ 02 - 06 September Cardiff ♦ 09 - 13 September Bristol ♦ 16 - 21 September East London ♦ 24 - 27 September Southampton ♦ 01 - 04 October Brighton
The Luna Cinema
A regular fixture in any outdoor cinema lover's calendar, this year Luna has expanded their deck chair set-up to accommodate drive-ins. Tickets for an extensive programme including Romeo + Juliet, The Goonies, The Devil Wears Prada, Rocketman and The Little Mermaid are now available for July screenings.
There are five locations: Allianz Park, North London ♦ Printworks, East London ♦ Blenheim Palace, Oxford ♦ Warwick Castle, Midlands ♦ Knebworth House, Hertfordshire?. Popular at the best of times, this year demand will be massive, so get booking.
The Star and Mouse
Usually found in Cambridgeshire, this “trinket cinema” will be running drive-in cinema nights at Helmingham Hall, Suffolk from July. Films include Dirty Dancing, Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Knives Out.
Sunset Cinema
Screenings begin from July 5 at Twyford Avenue Sports Ground, Acton in West London.
Cinestock ?
Based in West Sussex, this arena-based company are planning a programme of screenings across several locations – details to follow.
Open-air
Grabbing a few friends and a picnic run and heading to a green space to watch a big-screen projection of a classic film has long been a staple of British summertime. Little has been heard from providers yet, but expect more announcements on reopenings soon, albeit with the addition of social distancing measures.
The Free Range Film Club
Hosting outdoor screenings across a variety of London green spaces, the Free Range is planning a programme of cult classics, feel good faves and indie flicks. More details due soon.
The Lost Cinema
Operating from picturesque country houses and historic sites across the country, including Berkeley Castle, Gloucestershire ♦ Buscot Park, Oxfordshire ♦ Salisbury Cathedral, Wiltshire ♦ Wokefield Estate, Berkshire, this year's Lost programme begins in August.
The Greatest Showman, Bohemian Rhapsody, and Pretty Woman are among the titles to choose from.