Netflix and the Disney Chanel has served us well throughout the lockdowns, but how nice is going to the cinema? Adding to the onslaught of fun, free or low-cost family things to do in London this summer, Back to the Big Screen presents six free film screenings on Trafalgar Square this August, so get your popcorn and blankets at the ready…
Photo: Getty
Luna Cinema has teamed up with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, as part of his Let’s Do London campaign which has brought more family activities to Londoners and London this summer.
This time, it’s watching free films while basking in Trafalgar Square’s imposing stature from Thursday, August 26 to Sunday, August 29 – what a treat, especially if you’ve been curled up on the couch watching on-demand TV for the past while.
Six classic films will be screened; Rocks, Skyfall, Mary Poppins sing-along, Star Wars IV: A New Hope, Paddington 2 and Bend It Like Beckham.
Each feature will be preceded by a short film showcasing a diverse range of emerging film talent, curated by the Barbican, Film London, BAFTA and BFI.
While screenings are free, they are ticketed events – 1,500 tickets for each session, with 150 tickets dedicated to key workers for the Saturday and Sunday sessions.
If hanging out under the smog and stars with the Landseer Lions hulking over you isn’t enough of a quintessential London experience, the films have been selected, not just for their joy, but for their connection to the capital as well.
Each film is either set or made in London. This not only celebrates the importance of the capital’s film industry, it might just entice you to rediscover parts of London seen on the big screen.
Session times:
Thursday, August 26
Rocks, doors open 5.30pm, film starts 7.45pm
Friday, August 27
Skyfall, doors open 5.30pm, film starts 7.00pm
Saturday, August 28
Mary Poppins sing-along, doors open 12.45pm, film starts 2.15pm
Star Wars IV: A New Hope, doors open 6.pm, film starts 7.30pm
Sunday, August 29
Paddington 2, doors open 12.45pm, film starts 2.15pm
Bend It Like Beckham, doors open 6.pm, film starts 7.30pm
Back to the Big Screen runs from Thursday, August 26 to Sunday, August 29; tickets are available here; london.gov.uk
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