Six blockbuster films will be screened in Trafalgar Square.
Outdoor cinema season is well under way, but there’s a late entry with a tantalising selling point: it’s free to attend. ‘Back to the Big Screen’ is part of the ongoing Let’s Do London tourism campaign, and will bring six brilliant free films to Trafalgar Square for Londoners to enjoy. The films will celebrate the “talent and diversity of London’s film industry and the joy of going to watch a film at the cinema”, and here’s what you can expect.
The screenings have been lined up by the Mayor of London and his team, partnering with Luna Cinema to host the showings. On August 26, the mini-festival kicks off with a showing of the critically-acclaimed Rocks, before bringing Bond to town in Skyfall on Friday, August 27. Over the weekend, you’ll find a Saturday matinee sing-along screening of Mary Poppins, before Star Wars: A New Hope in the evening – on Sunday, it’s a matinee of Paddington 2, before the evening screening of cult classic Bend It Like Beckham. Each film was either made or set in London (or both!), giving them all a local connection.
They’re promising a “red carpet experience” for guests (presumably minus the paparazzi), but you’ll need to be fairly swift to get your hands on tickets, given that 1500 will be available for each showing. 150 of those will be reserved for key workers, on all of the Saturday and Sunday screenings. You can register for tickets here.
Meanwhile, the Mayor has also partnered with BFI, BAFTA, and Film London to produce a stirring trailer celebrating London’s film industry, and the talent it boasts. Featuring a host of recognisable films, and a glimpse at London’s army of indoor and outdoor cinemas, it’s a welcome reminder of the magic of film that’s aimed to invite Londoners back to the big screen. I’m sold!