Ultra-Cool New Drive-In Cinema Venues Announced For Summer

Those summer nights just got a retro spin... Fusing the retro-romance of classic American drive-in with up-to-date films, it’s the perfect way to return to the big screen in a safe and socially distanced manner, with cinema snacks delivered to your car by staff on roller skates and scooters.

Can you think of anything cooler than pulling into a scenic setting, parking up and watching a movie on the big screen under the stars? Well, get excited, because you can have your very own Danny and Sandy moment as new drive-in cinema venues have been announced for this summer – and you can even watch Grease for a truly nostalgic evening.

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Luna Cinema is one of the UK’s most popular open-air and pop-up cinemas and now, in the era of social distancing, it's launching The Luna Drive-In Cinema this summer at picturesque sites across the country, including Warwick Castle, Blenheim Palace, the Allianz Park stadium in London and Knebworth House, with more venues to be added soon.

drive-in cinema

(Image credit: Luna Cinema)

Fusing the retro-romance of classic American drive-in with up-to-date films, it’s the perfect way to return to the big screen in a safe and socially distanced manner, with cinema snacks delivered to your car by staff on roller skates and scooters.

Kicking off this July, venues will hold between 150 and 500 cars per screening and will utilise both the highest definition outdoor LED screens and Luna’s traditional digital projection cinema solution across the various sites. Allianz Park and Warwick Castle will present two screenings each night from Monday to Thursdays. On Fridays and at the weekends, there will be three screenings starting in the afternoon with a film for all ages, followed by evening showings against the backdrop of the setting summer sun.

Knebworth House and Blenheim Palace will host a single screening each evening, seven nights a week, making the perfect opportunity for some lockdown escapism.

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drive-in cinema

Warwick Castle.
(Image credit: Luna Cimema)

So how exactly does it work? Each car has its own personal wireless speaker so viewers can hear the film in cinematic quality digital sound, without any distractions. The introduction of this technology will mean there will be no need to have the car radio running and risk draining the battery.

There will also be a tasty choice of food and drink available either as a pre-order with tickets, or ordered from the car on the night using a smart phone, delivered by the aforementioned skater squad.

And there's a fab line-up of big screen hits for you to enjoy; from award-winning recent releases like Rocketman, Joker, Knives Out and the new live-action remake of Aladdin, musical favourites such as Grease and La La Land to cult classics like Pretty Woman and Dirty Dancing, there's something for everyone.

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drive-in cinema

Knebworth House.
(Image credit: Luna Cinema)

George Wood, founder of The Luna Cinema, said: 'Since 2008, when we first started putting on outdoor cinema events, I’ve been asked countless times ‘why not expand into drive-in screenings?’. My answer was always that they lacked the sociable, communal quality of open-air screenings, as the audience were cocooned in their cars. We were also unsure of the quality of the sound experience when running through an FM frequency into the car radio.

'Fast forward to the era we are currently living in, when social distancing is the “new normal”, and drive in with its immediate separation from other audience goers, is the perfect solution to get people back to the big screen.

'Not only that but we are confident we have cracked the sound with an incredible in-car wireless solution. We’ve managed to make every aspect of the event fully compliant with social distancing regulations, from the way the tickets are scanned through to the provision of food and drink, audiences can attend our drive in screenings with confidence, and return to one of the things we’ve all been missing most in lockdown – enjoying a great film on a giant screen under the stars. '

Popcorn at the ready... Visit lunadriveincinema.com for more information and to book.

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Ruth Doherty is a lifestyle journalist based in London. An experienced freelance digital writer and editor, she is known for covering everything from travel and interiors to fashion and beauty. She regularly contributes to Livingetc, Ideal Home and Homes & Gardens, as well as titles like Prima and Red. Outside of work, her biggest loves are endless cups of tea, almond croissants, shopping for clothes she doesn’t need, and booking holidays she does.