Travelling in Canada a million moons ago, I was always surprised and quite excited to stumble upon a drive-in cinema, and even watched The Muppet Movie sitting in an Oldsmobile, eating hotdogs, and drinking root beer. Outdoor cinemas were never really a thing in the UK…until some savvy entrepreneurs spotted a gap in the market (and sometimes the weather!) Now it’s possible to watch the latest blockbuster from the comfort of your own driving seat, or even park up, pull up a pew and sip champagne…
There are several seasonal outdoor cinemas in our region, with the ratio of new releases to all-time classics sure to give even the most ardent film critic a wide selection of flicks to choose from. For those who prefer their entertainment to feature actors, we have a selection of live theatre events too.
Moonflick cinemas operate across the Northwest, with summer events calendars in the Wirral, Chester, Nantwich, and Knutsford. The Chester division has a veritable smorgasbord of family films, from Stand By Me, Dirty Dancing, Cruella, Sister Act and Pretty Women, through to more modern tales including House of Gucci. Find out more.
Sticking with the solar system, The Luna Cinema is bringing an outdoor cinema experience to Knutsford over August’s bank holiday weekend. There’s a decidedly musical slant to the weekend with shows including West Side Story, Grease and Moulin Rouge. If you feel like channelling your inner Sandy, Maria or Satine, you can book now. You can even upgrade your experience with luxury sofas, a firepit, blankets and a bottle of prosecco! Find out more.
In venues across the Northwest and Wales, The Adventure Cinema offers the UK’s largest touring outdoor cinema. With local venues in Wrexham, Macclesfield, Colwyn Bay, Dunham, Crewe and Welshpool, there may be an outdoor cinema close to your home. Events take place in some fantastic locations including castles and country estates, so expect to watch movies in style. Find out more.
Romeo and Juliet, Little Women and Stig of the Dump will be performed throughout July and August at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, in the very heart of Chester. Well served by local transport, and a ten-minute walk from Chester train and bus stations, you can leave your car at home! Find out more.
If you’re more Shakespeare than The Pink Ladies, The Hillbark Players bring The Tempest and Midsummer Night’s Dream to Royden Park, Wirral in late June, for what promise to be great events. Find out more.
The Bard is a popular choice for theatre lovers, and the beautiful surroundings of Knowsley Hall play host to a theatrical treat. Watch As You Like It while devouring your picnic against the backdrop of this wonderful stately home. Tickets for this event, which takes place on 4th August are available to purchase. Find out more.
