Summer Outdoor Film Screenings

Summer Outdoor Film Screenings

26 May, 2011
by: Adam Dolan

This summer, enjoy a cinematic experience under the stars at one of the many outdoor film screenings around London. We take a look at a few of the best on offer.

So, you're a dedicated movie-buff, but you don't want to spend the sunny months sat in a dark, dingy multiplex. What's an obsessive film-freak to do?!

Well, your gracious pals at Spoonfed have the answer for you. So feast thine squinting eyes at this list of London's best outdoor cinema events coming up over the next few months.

Dalston Roof Park
Print House, 18 Ashwin St, E8 3D

The Dalston Roof Park, which rests atop a four-story former factory, has some fantastic views of the city, fake grass, plastic kid's chairs, and a wooden shack in the back. The shack in the back actually holds a pop-up bar, fully stocked with everything including a frozen margarita machine. Screenings aren't frequent, and tickets sell out fast, but considering the venue it's well worth the effort to secure a ticket.

Hammersmith Pop-Up Screens
Next to Ravensourt Park tube station

Keep your eye on the excellent Hammersmith Pop-Up Screens, who are based this year in Ravenscourt Park. Tucker's Exotic Meat Shack will be in attendance, so if you've ever wanted to know what an ostrich burger tastes like now's your chance (weirdo).

Nomad Cinema
Various locations

The Nomad is a roaming pop-up touring cinema that holds their first screening in Dulwich Park on Saturday 28th May. There's always an eclectic mix of films on show, usually a black and white classic, something nostalgic, a '70s original and something foreign.

Queen of Hoxton
1-5 Curtain Road, EC2A 3JX

2011 sees the Queen of Hoxton kick off their new Rooftop Film Club. The rooftop garden has great views, palm trees and festoon lights. There's a rum shack too, so if you don't like the film, you needn't sit through it sober.

Somerset House
Strand, WC2R 1LA

Classy Somerset House is home to the Film4 Summer Screen Season. Films on offer promises to be a mix of preview screenings and cult classics. Besides, it's worth going for the venue itself. The films are projected onto a screen on the side of the gorgeous building, and they've managed to provide workable surround-sound, so it's as close to a multiplex experience you can get while sitting out under the stars.

BP Summer Screens
Various

In a fantastic move from BP Summer Screens, they're holding free outdoor viewings of pre-recorded opera and ballet films on a gigantic open-air screen. It's a great way to introduce the friends and family to opera and ballet in a festival atmosphere. Tell them it's on a bloody great screen in a park and you can trick them into thinking it's not too artsy.

The Scoop
More London (next to GLA building), SE1 2DB

The Scoop at More London is offering free screenings at its uniquely-shaped outdoor venue. The films are usually the biggest family friendly ones of the last few years. Did we mention it's totally free? Because it is. Totally free.

Watch This Space
National Theatre, South Bank SE1 9PX

As part of the National Theatre's Watch This Space Festival, they're projecting films from the BFI's unique National Archive onto an enormous screen upon the Flytower. Every year they trawl through the archive to find films that reflect a particular theme.

Syon House
Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 8JF

The decadent Syon House holds a four-day event in late August, where they screen popular classics under the stars in the gardens of the lavish estate. If you've not been to Syon House before, it's a sight to behold. Formerly the Duke of Nothumberland's London home, it's the last ducal residence complete with its country estate in Greater London.

Dulwich Picture Gallery
Gallery Road, London, SE21 7

Dulwich Picture Gallery hosts occasional special outdoor screenings in their impressive garden space. There are prizes to be won for anyone brave enough to turn up in costume (this year's film is Grease) and food stalls bring a carnival feel to the event.

Adam Dolan