Cinemas Reopen: Should You Take Kids?
Gallery
Are you ready to return to cinemas?
As the Coronavirus pandemic gripped the UK cinemas across the UK were forced to shut their doors on the 17 March. But now they're back – with a whole new raft of measures to keep customers safe.
Ultimately the decision of whether to visit the cinema will come down to your attitude to risk and your personal circumstances. Are you confident that children can follow social distancing guidelines and comfortable with the measures your local has in place?
It's clear that cinemas have spent a considerable amount of time assessing every aspect of your trip to make sure it's as safe as possible – after all they want you to feel safe enough to return.
Cineworld Cinemas: Opening July 10
COVID-19 Secure measures:
Social distancing across the cinema
All toilets stocked with antibacterial soap and hand sanitiser stations available
Enhanced cleaning programme
Staggered film times to minimise contact
Plastic screening at tills
Contactless payment and e-tickets
Distanced seating in theatres to ensure a safe distance between groups
Staff provided with PPE
Increased contactless limit to £45.
Odeon Cinemas: Opening July
COVID-19 Secure measures:
Limited number of seats on sale to meet social distancing guidelines
Staggered start and end time to reduce queues
Customers encouraged to book online
No cash payments
Increased contactless limit
Pre-packaged food and drinks on sale
Enhanced cleaning programme
Hand sanitiser stations available
Staff to wear PPE
Showcase Cinemas: Opening July 4
COVID-19 Secure measures:
Limited capacity in screens to meet social distancing guidelines
Fewer screenings throughout the day
Staggered start and end times
Hand sanitiser stations
Audience encouraged to wear face masks, though they can be removed once sat down
Enhanced cleaning including a new anti-viral fogging machine that removes airborne viruses to be used on every seat between showings and at the end of the day
New air purifying systems installed in theatres to kill airborne viruses
Perspex shields at tills
Food and drink can be ordered in advance and collected from a pick-up station
Contactless payments encouraged
Self-scanning of tickets to enter auditoriums
Picturehouse Cinemas: Opening July 10
COVID-19 Secure measures:
Social distancing observed
Staggered start and end times
Allocated seating to ensure safe distancing between different household groups
Hand sanitiser stations
Enhanced cleaning programme, including additional cleaning time between films
PPE provided to staff
Protective screens at till points
Contactless payments encouraged and limit increased to £45
Cafes, bars and restaurants to remain closed
Everyman Cinemas: Opening July 4
COVID-19 Secure measures:
Chelmsford, Gerrards Cross, Esher, Horsham, Barnet and Hampstead opening July 4 with all sites set to be open by July 17. A new site in Chelsea will open July 24
Screens at bars and tills
Customers encouraged to place orders from their seats
Revised seating plans to enable social distancing
Staggered start and end times
Hand sanitiser stations
PPE available for staff
Vue: Opening July 10
COVID-19 Secure measures:
Revised seating to enable household groups to socially distance from other groups
Staggered film times
Enhanced cleaning programme
Limiting the number of customers entering the cinema
Pre-packaged pick 'n' mix
PPE for employees
What About Independent Cinemas?
Many independent theatres are choosing to open at a later date. A survey from the Independent Cinema Office revealed just 13 per cent of venues say they'll be operating in July, 15 per cent plan to reopen in August and 23 per cent will wait until September.
Give your local independent cinema a call to get their most up-to-date details on reopening and proposed safety measures.
What Else Can Parents Do:
If your cinema allows it, bring in your own drinks and snacks.
Wear gloves and masks.
Take your own hand sanitiser.
Use your toilet at home so you only have to use the public cinema toilets in an emergency.
Avoid taking anything unnecessary with you – so no toys or teddies. And if you can, avoid taking a bag.
Prebook tickets to guarantee seats and minimise contact.
Don't arrive earlier than you need to minimise time spent indoors with other customers.
If you want even more detail on this, check out our blog post here.
Is There A Drive-In Cinema Near Me?
After months of no cinema, the UK has fully embraced the idea of the drive-in movie. After all, if you don't have to leave your own car you can be fairly confident that you're not at an increased risk of contracting coronavirus.
The majority of screenings are more suited to older children, but there are some great classic screenings to tick off your tweens' and teens' must-see list.
The Drive In
From July 4 at The Troubadour Meridian Water in Enfield, London. You'll be able to book to watch films, live music and stand-up comedy. They have some great events coming up for all age groups, from Mary Poppins to Aladdin to Dirty Dancing.
The Luna Cinema
At sites from early July, including Knebworth House in Herts, Blenheim Palace in Oxford, Warwick Castle in the Midlands and Allianz Park in London. More venues to be announced.
At the Drive In
Touring across the UK from July 4th. This includes screenings in South London (6-12 July) and East London (16-21 September) with other venues including Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle.
Pub in the Park
Film fans can enjoy Drive & Dine Theatre at Syon Park and Selhurst Park Stadium in London from early July. The line-up includes classics like Back to the Future and Jaws as well as newer releases like blockbuster 1917.
Sunset Cinema
Head to Twyford Avenue Sports Ground in London and catch Bohemian Rhapsody, Grease, The Lion King and La La Land. Food can be pre-ordered and cars will be spaced two metres apart.
Rooftop Film Club
From July 4 you can head to London's Alexandra Palace for a mix of modern and classic films.
What can you watch
Unsurprisingly the COVID crisis has had a significant impact on film production. Some blockbusters had to halt filming or production pushing back their release dates.
Initially, cinemas will focus on re-releases: celebrating its 40th anniversary, The Empire Strikes Back is one such film hoping to pull in audiences. The second in the Star Wars trilogy (and many consider it to be the best) will hope to delight a new generation of fans. But there are also some new releases to watch out for:
Mulan - released July 24
This summer's most hotly anticipated film is Disney's live-action remake following the story of the girl who becomes a warrior.
SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the run - released July 31
This fun adventure is sure to be a hit with your little people, as SpongeBob and Patrick try to rescue Gary from Poseidon.
The Secret Garden - released August 14
Based on the classic book, this film tells the story of an orphan sent to live with her Uncle on his remote estate in Yorkshire and who discovers a secret garden.
Black Widow - October 28
Marvel's latest offering will follow Scarlett Johansson's superhero as she goes on the run from the US government.
Soul - November 20
Pixar's film follows the journey a music teacher goes on to discover himself when his body and soul become separated, threatening to stop him from reaching his dream of performing jazz live on stage.
The Croods 2 - December 23
The prehistoric family is back and this time their biggest threat is another family.
Coming 2021
Some movies slated to release in 2020 have been pushed back to 2021. Here's what to look out for – coming to a cinema near you next year:
Peter Rabbit 2 - January
Ghostbusters: Afterlife - March
Raya and the Last Dragon -March
Minions: The Rise of Gru - July
Jungle Cruise - July
We Want Your Photos!
More for You
See All
Bachelor of Arts specializing in Literature
Cora LydonBachelor of Arts specializing in Literature
With a passion for inspiring her children, Cora is a journalist with a Bachelor's degree in Literature from the University of Suffolk. She is also a children's book author living in Suffolk. She enjoys seeking out creative activities and places for her family to explore, often resulting in messy crafts at the dining table.
Disclaimer
1) Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the Buy Now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published but we cannot guarantee that on the time of reading. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.
