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Warm summer nights call for gatherings with community friends. Barbecues, pool parties, and beach trips are just a few of the many things that Londoners love to do these days.
But the City of London has a great idea on bringing the community together – by putting up a big screen, popping in a film and inviting Londoners to watch for free.
This year’s Neighbourhood Outdoor Movies include 30 free movie sessions for families to enjoy throughout the summer.
“We believe that neighbours that know [and interact with] each other build a stronger community and a safer place. They know each other, they’re looking out for each other, there’s a sense of belonging, pride and ownership in neighbourhoods. If every one of our neighbourhoods [becomes] stronger, put together, it builds a stronger city.”
Oldham says all the movies that are shown are family-friendly, so everyone is welcome!
“They’re all family-rated movies, so what we’re hoping is that parents will bring their young ones out, but that usually the movie has enough adult content that if it was a couple who didn’t have children, they would be interested in going as well.”
But movie nights are not always just a screen and some lawn chairs. Sometimes, there are food options, music and other surprises. Ultimately, the kids have a great time meeting new friends, and the parents do too.
“We’ve had some people invite food trucks, and throw large games…And so, they have this party atmosphere before the movie starts.”
With so many wonderful films these days, it can be difficult to choose which ones to showcase. Oldham shares this year’s popular titles.
“Popular this summer would be the new Juhmanji, that’s showing several times. And we’ve got some old favorites like The Goonies. Some of those fun cartoony ones like Moana and Madagascar are tons of fun.”
Oldham would like to remind everyone that poor weather conditions such as strong winds and heavy rain will most likely cause a scheduled movie to be cancelled.
A full list of movies can be found on the City of London’s website.
