Pop-up cinema comes to Portsmouth shopping centre with free favourites

From Saturday, Cascades Shopping Centre in Portsmouth will be welcoming Simba, Buzz, Sulley, Ariel, Nemo and a whole range of other characters as it plays host to a free pop-up cinema.

In a first for the centre, the special screen will be showing a selection of children’s classics and family favourite films every weekend until Sunday, September 18.

It has taken over the empty unit near to Next and opposite Starbucks.

Cascades operations manager Andrew Philip said he couldn’t wait to welcome shoppers to the pop-up cinema

‘We’re really excited to have a cinema in the centre,” said Andrew.

‘It’s something a little different for us and I’m delighted that it’s here as we’ve been planning to have the screen in the centre for a long time.

‘The special, free screen will be showing a great selection of films that shoppers of all ages will be able to enjoy, giving visitors to the centre a chance come along, relax, rediscover and enjoy favourites including Toy Story, The Lion King, The Incredibles and The Little Mermaid.’

Two screenings will take place every Saturday and Sunday at 11am and 2pm.

On Sunday every 11am showing will be an autism-friendly screening with reduced capacity, lower than usual volume, a chill-out area and the lights left on a low setting, giving those with autism or sensory sensitivity a chance to enjoy the magic of a trip to the cinema.

‘We work hard to make sure that Cascades is as accessible as possible for everyone so it was crucial for us that the cinema was the same,’ said Andrew.

‘As part of the pop-up cinema we wanted to have a special time allocated so that visitors to the centre with autism or sensory sensitivity could come and enjoy the films in a relaxed environment.

‘We will also have donation boxes in the screen throughout the 12 showings raising money for Naomi House & Jacksplace Hospice.

‘They provide care for more than 280 life-limited children and young people across our region.

‘I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to include the donation boxes in the screen and help raise money for a charity that does so much for the young people that need it most in our community.’

There will also be film-related entertainment today, as Sid and Scrat from the Ice Age movies will be at the centre, near Starbucks, between 11am and 4pm.

For more information go to cascades-shopping.co.uk/events

FILM ON THE FARM

It’s not just shopping centres getting in on the pop-up cinema craze.

Film on a Farm has been running since 2015 at Manor Farm in Droxford and at Saddleback Farm Shop in Newbury.

The idea was created by friends Chris Horn and Rebecca Corbett, who are the next generation of Hampshire farmers.

It started out of their passion for farming, films and the great outdoors by farmers looking to diversify away from the core farming business.

Sarah said: ‘It is stunning. The venues are just incredible. They are breathtaking.

‘You can turn up from the city and enjoy being in the countryside. It is a lovely experience.’

The next film screening of Notting Hill will be held at Droxford on September 9, followed by Grease on September 10.

For more information e-mail [email protected] or go to filmonafarm.co.uk.

A pop-up cinema was also held by Portsmouth Film Society at Canoe Lake in Southsea earlier this summer.