Let’s have a look at the outdoor cinemas the South of England has to offer in 2021 this summer.
Outdoor cinema was first invented in 1933. Since then, the format has been experimental with the arrival of bigger & crisper screens, wildly varying locations, drive-in experiences, experiential pairings with food - even hot tub experiences to maximise the fun and novelty of watching films outside. Let’s have a look at what the South of England has to offer in 2021 this summer…
1. Luna Beach Cinema @ Brighton Beach
Luna Beach scenes.
Experienced outdoor cinema veterans Luna Beach are coming to Brighton Beach for an entire month this summer. Mixing retro (Dirty Dancing, Top Gun) with modern musical film masterpieces (A Star is Born, Bohemian Rhapsody) it’s hard to imagine they won’t be offering something you like. With a screen measuring a full 10 metres in length, a bar on site and VIP beach huts, join the mailing list now to be the first to know when tickets go on sale.
Madeira Drive Brighton BN2 1EN
When? Join mailing list to be the first to know.2. The Grand Budapest Hotel @ Avington Park, Winchester
Ralph Fiennes as Monsieur Gustave H in Wes Anderson’s film.
Following the fast-pasted story of Monsieur Gustave H (Ralph Fiennes) in the fictional land of Zubrowka, the comedy-drama The Grand Budapest Hotel is one of Wes Anderson’s great movies. Showing at the stunning privately-owned state home of Avington Park in Itchen Valley, this is just about as aesthetic of an experience as you could possibly hope for.
9th June 2021.
Avington Park, SO21 1DB, Winchester.3. In the Heights @ Southampton’s Royal Victoria Park
Blue skies overhead at Royal Victoria Park. Image here.
Like The Grand Budapest Hotel, this viewing of 2021 musical film In The Heights is being produced by Summer Screens who have been setting up screens outside since 2011. From the creators of Crazy Rich Asians and Hamilton, In The Heights follows the story of a New York dreamer that sings of better world. Royal Victoria Park was once the site of the world’s largest hospital (now only the chapel remains which is pictured above) and overlooks Southampton Water with wonderful scenery.
29th July 2021. Royal Victoria Park, Netley Abbey, Southampton, SO31 5GA.
4. Dirty Dancing @ Trowbridge Cricket Club
Dirty Dancing’s stars Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze.
This viewing of 1987 romance drama Dirty Dancing is hosted by Adventure Cinema. The film follows a summer holiday at a Catskills resort where our protagonist Frances falls in love with Johnny Castle, the camp’s charming dance instructor. Food and drinks will be available on-site but bring your own camping chairs or blanket!
1st July 2021. Trowbridge Cricket Club, Lower Court, Trowbridge, BA14 8PX5. Pretty Women Outdoor Cinema Experience @ Portsmouth
Pretty Woman.
Pretty Woman is coming to Portsmouth this August. The well-known film tells the entanglement of a wealthy businessman (Gere) with Vivian (Roberts) when he hires her to be his girlfriend on a work trip. Things get complicated as the plot thickens in true rom com fashion. Showing at the iconic Mountbatten Centre in Portsmouth Centre this is not one to miss.
Sun, 22 August 2021. Mountbatten Centre, Alex Way, Portsmouth, PO2 9QA.