As life slowly begins to open up again, there is nothing better than watching a film under the stars as we reunite with loved ones this summer.
There is no feeling quite like it. The cinematic experience allows you to escape from the tremors of the world, indulge in timeless classics, and fuel the unforgettable sensation of nostalgia. With the outdoors being our best friend right now (despite the ghastly weather), open-air cinemas are taking over rooftops, bars and parks so that we can relive the enchantment of the cinema once again.
No other city can host outdoor cinema events like London. As government guidelines continue to ease in the upcoming weeks, various venues in London are transforming into intimate screening theatres for you to enjoy your favourite films under the stars. Here are five to check out this summer.
1. Pure Cinema Experience
The Pure outdoor cinema experience, based in Stratford on a rooftop pitch, is presenting the theme of ‘nostalgia’ by transporting audiences back in time to watch timeless classics. These include Dirty Dancing, Grease, Jaws, and The Bodyguard. The pop-up begins on Wednesday 19 May, running for 11 weeks, ranging from £25 to £75.
2. Rooftop Film Club
The Rooftop Film Club is one of the most popular cinematic experiences in London. There are two venues this year: one in Stratford and one in Peckham’s Bussey Building. Both open in mid-May.
Experience iconic films from classics to new releases on a big screen under the city skyline, whilst consuming delicious foods and drinks in comfy deckchairs. They also provide headphones for a more personal escapade. There will be various drive-in cinemas opening throughout the summer months as well.
3. Rooftop Movies – Bar Elba
Bar Elba, located in Waterloo, is transforming its rooftop to host a series of outdoor cinema events over the summer. The bar is serving popcorn and prosecco whilst offering classics, rom-coms and indie films. The rooftop cinema also has incredible views of the city and is an ideal venue to sneak in a few drinks alongside the big-screen experience.
4. Hideaway Cinema
A new outdoor cinema is coming located right by Old Street from 20 May. The Hideaway Cinema company is setting up a screen in Honourable Artillery Company, five minutes from the famous Old Street roundabout, as well as Kew Gardens and Hampstead Heath. With a large variety of films on their agenda, Hideaway Cinema has everything from classics such as Grease to more recent releases like Wonder Woman 1984.
5. Openaire Float-in Cinema
An outdoor cinema experience like no other. If you like the idea of floating on a boat whilst captivated by a film, then this one is for you. The Paddington Basin’s Merchant Square will be home to an Openaire Float-In Cinema. It will run for four weeks from 2 June, from Wednesday to Sunday.
Simply pick up your boat at Little Venice and travel down the canal. There is also the option to sit on a deck chair if you would rather stay onshore. It, unfortunately, does not come cheap with the cost of renting a boat at £240, but each boat seats eight people. After all, this option is a more magical alternative to outdoor cinemas.