While outdoor cinemas (and music festivals and concerts) won't be happening this summer due to COVID-19 [1], the activity replacing it is just as worthy to get excited about: drive-in cinemas coming to the UK. Instead of dwelling on what would've been, outdoor cinema venues have been busy getting to work on how we can enjoy our favourite movies in a safe and socially distanced environment.
Across the UK, outdoor cinema companies such as Luna Cinema [2] and newbie, The Drive In [3], are swapping their beanbags and blankets in favour of car parking spaces and snacks ordered through a mobile app.
Locations across the UK such as Warwick Castle, Blenheim Palace in Oxford, and Troubadour Meridian Water in Enfield will welcome those of all ages to enjoy films, as well as theatre, music, and live comedy performances from the comfort of your own car. And if you don't have a car, here's a handy guide on how to safely hire one [4].
So, will you have date night à la Danny and Sandy in Grease? Read on to see which drive-in cinema events are taking place near you.
Luna Cinema
Luna Cinema recently turned efforts away from their famous outdoor cinema events into a new drive-in experience.
Events kick off in July in Warwick Castle, Blenheim Palace in Oxford, the Allianz Park stadium in London, and Knebworth House in Hertfordshire, with the promise of more venues being added soon. The venues will hold between 150 and 500 cars per screening with high-definition outdoor LED screens and a bespoke sound system, which has wireless speakers in each car mimicking cinema-quality sound.
The events will fully comply with social-distancing rules. Tickets will be scanned through car windows and food and drink can be ordered via a mobile app and delivered by staff on roller skates and scooters to give the full drive-in experience. And toilets are provided on site, which are two metres apart and regularly cleaned.
Luna Cinema will be showing old classics like Pretty Woman, Dirty Dancing, and Grease, as well as new favourites like Joker, Rocketman, and Aladdin.
Ticket prices will start at £29.50 per car for two people. Full details and tickets can be purchased here [5].
The Drive In
The Drive In will run no-contact events from Troubadour Meridian Water, Enfield as of the 4th of July.
Vehicles will be spaced two metres apart, and tickets will be scanned through your closed car window. Food and drink can be ordered through a mobile app and delivered straight to your car.
Films shown include old favourites like The Terminator and Back to the Future, as well as newer films such as Get Out and 1917, with more events being added.
Tickets start from £35 per car and can be booked here. [6] The Drive In is also giving away 10 free tickets per screening to NHS and care workers.