Watching a film on the big screen outdoors has to be one of the ultimate summer events. So grab your picnic blanket and popcorn and find your nearest outdoor cinema taking place in the East…
Luna Cinema, various locations, May to August
Anglesey Abbey, Wrest Park, Holkham Hall, Knebworth House, Audley End House, Hylands House and Hatfield House
Enjoy your favourite films under the stars as The Luna Cinema returns with its open air screenings from May to September. From big blockbusters to cult classics, this year’s programme has something for everyone. Sing-along to ‘The Greatest Showman’ and ‘Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again’, and get lost in iconic films such as ‘A Star Is Born’ and the multi-award winning ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. Drama fans can have a royal time watching ‘The Favourite’ at the actual location for the film at Hatfield House. There’s classics too such as ‘Pretty Woman’ and ‘Moulin Rouge’.To book tickets and for the full programme visit www.thelunacinema.com
Enchanted Cinema, 16 May – 19 September
Gonville Hotel, Cambridge
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The popular pop up cinema returns for another summer of movies under Cambridgeshire skies. Watch well-loved films such as ‘Dirty Dancing’, ‘TopGun’, ‘Kill Bill’ and ‘Romeo & Juliet’, as well as recent hits like ‘A Star is Born’ and ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ at the pretty inner city hidden garden at The Gonville Hotel. Make it the ultimate movie night and pre-order popcorn and prosecco or a gin & tonic! www.enchantedcinema.co.uk
Essex Outdoor Cinema, 1 June – 28 September
Chelmsford, Upminster & Hainault
Get cosy under the night’s sky and watch star-studded films from Essex Outdoor Cinema at a number of Essex locations. Films such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Dirty Dancing, Mamma Mia, Grease and the Greatest Showman to name a few will be popping up at RHS Garden Hyde Hall,Hainault Forest Country Park, Upminster Junior School and Coopers’ Company and Coborn School. www.essexoutdoorcinema.com
Sundown Cinema, 8 June – 8 September
Suffolk, Cambs, Herts & Beds
This year Luton Hoo, Shuttleworth House, Mill Meadow Island Bedford, Putteridge Bury, IWM Duxford, Hitchin Lavender, Hitchin Priory, Melford Hall, The Jockey Club and Ickworth House all welcome Sundown Cinema. Enjoy an evening in the great outdoors while watching recent blockbusters such as ‘The Greatest Showman’ and ‘A Star is Born;, as well as classic films like ‘Dirty Dancing’ and ‘Top Gun’. www.sundowncinema.co.uk
Summer Nights 21 June, 26 July & 30 August
Market Square, Cambridge
Cambridge BID has announced a programme of free films to delight audiences of all ages, with double screenings at 6.30pm and 8.30pm, and a night market selling artisan food, beverages, crafts and gifts.
On Friday 21 June the biggest family film of 2018, ‘Peter Rabbit’, will captivate a younger audience before box-office-topper ‘Mamma Mia 2: Here We Go Again!’ brings sunshine back to the big screen.
Pic – Richard Marsham/RMG Photography
www.rmg-photography.co.uk
The Parr family will endeavour to restore public trust in superheroes on Friday 26 July with ‘Incredibles 2’, ahead of the hilarious ‘School of Rock’. The season finale on Friday 30 August will see ‘Early Man’, an historical football comedy from the creators of Wallace and Gromit, entertain a family audience. Major box office success ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ will follow – don’t miss an earlier-than-usual start at 8pm – with a musical celebration of Queen and their extraordinary lead singer, Freddie Mercury. Approximately 100 seats will be available on a first-come-first-served basis for each screening, though families and film buffs are welcome to bring their own chairs and rugs. www.cambridgebid.co.uk.
Open Air Cinema, 26 June – 6 July
St Albans Abbey
As part of the St Albans Film Festival, the Abbey Open-Air Cinema will take place in the Cathedral grounds with a programme of classic movies over two weeks. www.stalbansfilmfestival.com
Alfresco Cinema: Mamma Mia, 29 June
Promenade Park, Maldon
An unforgettable star filled movie experience within the pretty setting of the Promenade Park, Maldon. www.essexalfrescocinema.com
Cinema on the Green, 22 – 24 August
Howardsgate, Welwyn Garden City
Back by popular demand this free event is now including a Saturday. Enjoy award winning movies at this fabulous open-air cinema with friends and family.
Open Air Cinema, 24-26 August
Hertford Castle, Hertford
Spectators can bring along picnic chairs, snacks and sit back to relax and enjoy movies underneath the stars. www.hertford.gov.uk/events
Bohemian Rhapsody under the stars, 7 September
Huntingdon Racecourse
The critically acclaimed ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ will be the feature film when East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) brings its open air cinema experience to Huntingdon Racecourse.
The event promises to be full of fun, with a live band to entertain until the film begins. In addition there will be hot food and drinks, or guests are welcome to take a picnic.
Gates will open at 6.30pm. The 12A film, two hours and 14 minutes, will start at sundown around 8pm. There will be no reserved seating, so guests are advised to take blankets and collapsible chairs for full comfort. Standard tickets are £13. There are 50 VIP tickets available for £20 each. They include a deckchair and the best views. www.each.org.uk/cinema.
