Edinburgh's free outdoor cinema set to return with packed movie line-up

Edinburgh is set to welcome one of the UK's largest outdoor cinemas back to the city centre. 'Square Cinema' will return to St Andrew Square June 14 - June 16 this year with a packed line-up.

The three-day event is funded by Essential Edinburgh with LNER continuing their headline support.

Expect to see a mix of family-friendly and adult-only movies with a great line-up of mostly new films. New releases such as Barbie, Migration, Trolls: Band Together, and Wonka will be shown throughout the weekend. Classics such as Pretty Woman, and The Matrix will be shown in the evenings.

The programme is as follows:

Friday June 14

16:00 Kung Fu Panda (PG) 1 hr 32 mins

18:00 Barbie (12A) 1 hr 54 mins

20:25 Pretty Woman (15) 1 hr 59 mins

Saturday June 15

11:00 Trolls Band Together (U) 1 hr 31 mins

12:45 The Little Mermaid 2023 (PG) 2 hr 15 mins

15:20 Harry Potter & The Order of the Phoenix (12A) 2 hr 18 mins

18:00 William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet (12) 2 hr

20:20 The Matrix - 25th Anniversary Screening (15) 2 hr 16 mins

Sunday June 16

11:00 Migration (U) 1 hr 23 mins

12:45 Sing 2 (U) 1 hr 50 mins

15:00 Wonka (PG) 1 hr 56 mins

17:25 Barbie (12A) 1 hr 54 mins

19:45 Four Weddings and a Funeral (15) 1 hr 57 mins

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The popular outdoor cinema is free and non-ticketed. Everyone is encouraged to just turn up and join in. Those planning to attend can bring a picnic and chairs, but no glass and strictly no alcohol or anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be allowed.

The Square Cinema website states: "For the safety and comfort of all our guests, we may conduct security searches of clothing, bags and all other items on entry and exit to this event."

Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18.

Emily Campbell Johnston is the Senior Manager of Marketing & Communications for Essential Edinburgh. She says: “Over thirteen years, our outdoor film screenings produced by Unique Events have evolved into one of the largest free outdoor cinema events in the UK – attracting locals and visitors alike to enjoy the city centre."

She adds: “It’s a fantastic, free event that has something for absolutely everyone from daytime family fun to movie-lovers at night. We have a range of terrific sponsors working with us to ensure it is an event that creates happy memories – come rain or shine! We are especially delighted to welcome LNER back as our lead partner, and to extend our partnership to 2026.

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“Square Cinema is always fabulous fun, it brings people into the city centre where they can then enjoy all the city centre offers, helping drive footfall and provide a welcome boost for local businesses.”

David Flesher, Commercial Director of LNER says: “LNER is proud to support Square Cinema, taking place in the heart of the inspiring capital of Scotland. This vibrant and free event is a great addition to the Edinburgh summer programme of events. Open to all, visitors and residents alike, working in partnership with local businesses and communities, we are thrilled to be lead sponsors for another year!”

To be as inclusive as possible all films will be shown with subtitles, and entry to Square Cinema is free on a first come first in basis. Full entry terms and conditions can be found online: www.squarecinema.co.uk.

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