London's largest open-air cinema coming to Kew Gardens
7:00am Monday 20th August 2012 in News By Amy Dyduch
Classic cinema: London's largest open-air cinema is coming to Kew Gardens
London’s largest open-air cinema is coming to Kew Gardens next month, giving film lovers a different way to enjoy late summer evenings.
Kew the Movies, a three-day film festival, will see a giant screen set against the backdrop of Kew Palace where the Queen celebrated her 80th birthday.
More than 6,000 visitors are expected to attend over the three days, making it the biggest open-air cinema in London.
The 10m by 6m screen provided by Lunar Cinema will show movies the Artist, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Grease.
Managing director of Lunar Cinema George Wood said he is extremely excited for the cinema to come to the botanical gardens.
He said: “This is the first time Kew has ever hosted an open-air cinema so it is really prestigious.”
This comes after the success of Kew the Music – a summer music festival which this year saw performances from artists such as James Morrison and Will Young.
Members at Kew Gardens were asked what else they would like to see at the botanical gardens and an open-air cinema came out on top.
Mr Wood said: “This is our number one venue and we’re all so excited to be there – it is the most magical setting.”
He said the outdoor cinema is a completely different experience to the conventional multiplex screenings.
He said: “The atmosphere is so good, every time we show a film like Grease the audience can’t stop themselves. The whole audience is hand jiving and a lot of them dress up as pink ladies.”
Mr Wood said he is amused at the sea of Audrey Hepburn fancy dress that usually turn up at the Breakfast at Tiffany’s screenings, which he expects will be replicated at Kew Gardens.
He said: “In the summer there’s nothing better than going outside with your mates, grabbing a bottle of wine and watching a classic film.”
People can bring their own picnic or purchase a luxury hamper at the event, as well as drinks and popcorn.
Kew the Movies, at Kew Gardens, will be between September 6 and 8. Visit thelunacinema.com
