Outdoor Cinema Experiences To Book Now

Outdoor Cinema Experiences To Book Now

Drive-in and rooftop cinemas are set to return this summer, offering a fun and safe way to watch some of your favourite films. From Tom Kerridge’s posh take on a drive-in to an authentic 1950s experience, here are nine worth knowing about.
Photography: ROOFTOP FILM CLUB

Secret Cinema, London

Secret Cinema specialises in ‘live cinema’ experiences, combining film screenings with interactive performances in purpose-built sets. Since launching in 2007, the team has brought everything from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back to Moulin Rouge, Back to the Future and Romeo + Juliet to life. This summer, the team will recreate the summer of 1963 for an immersive evening dedicated to Dirty Dancing. Filled with fancy dress (which is mandatory), themed food and drink and, of course, the screening itself, this is the ultimate way to experience one of your favourite films.

Secret location in London; from 14th July

Visit SecretCinema.org

Rooftop Film Club, Various Locations

Five spots, including The Bussey Building in Peckham, Queen of Hoxton and Roof East in Stratford, all play host to one of our favourite film nights – Rooftop Film Club. Alongside a roster of fresh releases such as Oscar nominee Minari, the club will also be showing classics like The Breakfast Club, The Princess Bride and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Food and drink will be served an hour before the screening starts, and post-film until 11pm.

Various locations; open now

Visit RooftopFilmClub.com

Hideaway Cinema, UK-Wide

Hideaway Cinema has launched a fresh programme for 2021, kicking off with an outdoor screening of Wonder Woman 1984 on 20th May at the Honourable Artillery Company, London. This finally gives film fans an opportunity to enjoy the feature on the big screen after its planned theatrical run was cut short due to the pandemic. Creating a one-off cinematic experience for its audiences, the team has partnered with venues to showcase films against the backdrop of some of the country's most beautiful locations: think the South England Agricultural Society in Sussex and Windsor Racecourse. Classics being shown this year include Dirty Dancing, Back To The Future and Grease.

Various locations from 20th May

Visit Ticketmaster.co.uk

Rooftop Film Club
Rooftop Film Club
Secret Cinema
Secret Cinema

LUKE DYSON

Backyard Cinema, Wandsworth

This recently converted TV studios will offer drinking and dining spaces both indoors and outdoors from mid-May. The team behind Backyard Cinema like to mix things up with new and exciting interactive backdrops that aim to transport customers to another world. Specialising in creating nostalgic set builds inspired by the films it’s playing, these time-limited seasons harness the excitement of a pop-up event in a permanent venue. New for 2021 are two themes: Miami Beach and LA Nights. Films being shown this summer include Mamma Mia, Magic Mike, 10 Thing I Hate About You and The Greatest Showman.

13 Wandsworth Plain, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET; from 17th May

Visit BackyardCinema.co.uk

The Alfresco Theatre Drive-In, UK-Wide

New for this year, The Alfresco Theatre Drive-In will be touring six locations across the UK. On the food front, The Alfresco Diner will be serving up one-off dishes from star chefs Tom Kerridge, Rick Stein, Atul Kochhar, Paul Ainsworth and Jason Atherton – all of which can be enjoyed in front of live comedy, music and classic films. Films on offer this summer include the likes of Grease, Bohemian Rhapsody, Dirty Dancing and Rocketman.

Various locations from 28th April

Visit TheAlFrescoTheatre.co.uk

The Drive In, North London

The Drive In launched at Troubadour Meridian Water last summer. Film fans can pitch up in their cars for the events, with films shown on a large screen and the sound piped in via radio. The screenings will adhere to social distancing restrictions, with cars parked two metres apart and tickets scanned through closed windows. Films announced so far for 2021 include Judas & the Black Messiah, Dirty Dancing and The Witches. While the movies themselves are a mix of recent releases and old favourites, the experience itself will be inspired by historical drive-ins, with food and drink orders delivered by attendants dressed in 50s-style costumes.

Troubadour Meridian Water, Edmonton, N18 3QQ; open now

Visit TheDriveIn.London

The Alfresco Theatre Drive-In
The Alfresco Theatre Drive-In
Backyard Cinema
Backyard Cinema

Luna Drive-In Cinema, UK-Wide

The Luna Drive-In Cinema has already set up its state-of-the-art cinema equipment with outdoor LED screens and wireless transmission of sound to produce an atmospheric cinematic experience at seven location across the UK, including Blenheim Place, Knebworth House and Goodwood Motor Circuits. Food and drink – such as hampers, pizza, crepes, popcorn and retro snacks – can be ordered via your phone and collected prior to the film. Films on show over the summer include A Star Is Born, Jaws, Rocketman and Mean Girls.

Various locations; open now

Visit LunaDriveInCinema.com

Adventure Cinema, UK-Wide

Adventure Cinema now has over 100 locations across the UK. From Bristol and Blackpool to Cardiff and Carlisle, the team offers a safe and socially spacious outdoor cinematic experience. Looking for a fun night out with the girls? Book the likes of Dirty Dancing, Grease and Pretty Woman. More of a family affair? The Lion King, The Greatest Showman, the Harry Potter franchise and Jurassic Park are all available to book. All you have to do is buy a ticket, pack your picnic, camping chairs and blankets and tune in.

Various locations; 2021 dates TBC

Visit AdventureCinema.co.uk

Film & Food Fest, UK-Wide

The UK’s biggest touring outdoor cinema company, Adventure Cinema, has announced Film & Food Fest: a new touring festival for summer 2021. Visiting 15 major city parks across the UK, the socially spacious festival will be the first event of its kind, featuring four days of outdoor cinema with classic movies and recent releases, stand-up comedy from some of the UK’s best-loved comedians, local street food from each city and short films from regional filmmakers in each location.

Various locations from 17th June

Visit FilmAndFoodFest.com

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