Cineworld has shared its plans for reopening - here's when cinemas will be back and how it will work

(Photo: Shutterstock)(Photo: Shutterstock)
(Photo: Shutterstock)

Cineworld has confirmed the date it is hoping to have its cinemas up and running again across England.

The announcement comes after all of the chain's screens have lain dormant for months during the coronavirus crisis.

"We know how much you’ve been missing the cinema and we are thrilled to be back!" Cineworld said.

"With great films ahead, including Mulan, Tenet, A Quiet Place Part II, No Time To Die, and many more, we can’t wait to welcome you back."

Here's everything you need to know:

When will Cineworld cinemas be open again?

The chain is aiming to have cinemas across England operational again by Friday 10 July.

However, while the company strikes a confident tone with its announcement, it does note that cinemas will only reopen, "subject to final clarifications and confirmation in regards to UK government restrictions".

"The health and wellbeing of our customers and employees is our top priority," they say.

"We are following government guidelines in order to make cinemagoers feel as comfortable and provide a safe but enjoyable cinema experience."

What social distancing measures will be in place?

Cineworld cinemas have been closed in light of the coronavirus crisis (Photo: Shutterstock)Cineworld cinemas have been closed in light of the coronavirus crisis (Photo: Shutterstock)
Cineworld cinemas have been closed in light of the coronavirus crisis (Photo: Shutterstock)

As expected, it won't quite be business as usual when Cineworld cinemas reopen, and social distancing measures will be in place across all of their sites.

Tickets will be available to book in advance on our website and via the Cineworld app, available on iOS and Android. Confirmation emails can be used as tickets, and e-tickets are available on the app.

The booking system has also been updated to allow friends and family to sit together while ensuring a safe distance between customers from different households in screens.

Film start and end times will be staggered to reduce customers cross paths with other customers going in or out of other screens and buildup of crowds in the foyer; additional cleaning time will be added between films.

Plastic screens will be installed at concessions areas where safe distancing cannot be maintained, and Cineworld will implement an advanced cleaning programme designed to clean and sanitise the "high touch points" within each cinema.

Hand sanitiser stations will be provided in all cinemas for customers and employees.

When will cinemas open in other parts of the UK?

As the four devolved nations of the UK lift and impose lockdown measures differently, Cineworld have had to alter their plans in these areas accordingly.

The chain says planned reopening dates for its cinemas in cinemas in Scotland, Wales and Ireland will "follow."

"The opening dates are subject to final clarifications and confirmation in regards to various government restrictions in some of our territories."

For more information on Cineworld's reopening, head to its website