Free films for Londoners on big screen in Trafalgar Square
Skyfall, Paddington 2 and Mary Poppins are among those being shown.
People in London will be able to watch a movie on a big screen in Trafalgar Square later this month.
It's part of a campaign by the Mayor of London to get more people back to the cinema following the pandemic.
The films, which will be shown for free, are all made or set in London.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has joined with screenwriter, producer and director Richard Curtis and actor, writer and producer Simon Pegg, as well as leaders of the film industry to encourage Londoners and visitors to rediscover the joy of the big screen and help support the capital’s economy.
As part of the Mayor’s Let’s Do London campaign, the biggest domestic tourism the capital has ever seen, Sadiq is working with BFI, BAFTA and Film London to promote cinemas and outdoor screenings and also encourage filmgoers to take advantage of the capital’s world class food and hospitality.
To celebrate the magic of film, the Mayor will be hosting six free screenings in Trafalgar Square later this month to bring 1,500 Londoners and visitors together in the heart of the capital for each film, with 150 tickets reserved especially for key workers at four screenings in recognition of their work throughout the pandemic.
From August 26-29, audiences will be able to enjoy a red carpet experience with a selection of matinee and evening screenings in the Square in partnership with Luna Cinema.
The screenings will celebrate London’s importance in the film industry, with all the films either made or set in the capital.
It includes screenings of Rocks, Skyfall, a Mary Poppins sing-along, Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV), Paddington 2 and Bend It Like Beckham.
Each feature will be preceded by a short film showcasing a diverse range of emerging film talent, curated by the Barbican, Film London, BAFTA and BFI.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:
“London is a global capital for film production and our cinemas are a huge draw for Londoners and tourists alike, but the last 17 months have been incredibly challenging for the whole industry.
“TV and boxsets helped so many of us through lockdown, but with cinemas opening their doors again and big screens installed in public spaces, I’m joining with industry leaders to encourage everyone to get Back to the Big Screen to rediscover the magic of film and also support our central London hospitality businesses.
“By hosting six free screenings in Trafalgar Square of films either made or set in our capital, I want to remind everyone of the joy of getting together to watch a film and make the most of everything our capital has to offer.”
Simon Pegg, actor, writer and producer, said:
“I’m supporting the Mayor of London’s initiative to get people back into the capital’s world class cinemas. The pandemic has hit this integral part of London’s cultural heart, hard. It’s time to fill these spaces again and feel the thrill and magic of theatrical cinema.”
Richard Curtis, screenwriter, producer and director, said:
“I’m really delighted to hear about this movie plan by the Mayor of London. Many of my happiest memories in London are to do with going to the cinema and then going on to enjoy all the other wonders of the city."
Over the last five years, film and TV productions made in and around London generated more than £10bn for the UK economy, and the industry also supports the capital’s hospitality industry with cinemagoers able to enjoy the capital’s world-leading restaurants and hospitality businesses.
These industries have been hit hard by the impact of the pandemic, and that is why the Mayor launched his Let’s Do London campaign to remind Londoners and visitors of the amazing venues our capital has to offer.
The campaign, in partnership with the city’s hospitality, culture, and retail industries, includes a programme of events across the year to promote London as a destination for domestic tourists and Londoners alike.
For more information on applying for tickets, to see the new trailer and more information about London cinemas visit: www.london.gov.uk/big-screen