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So the ‘hottest summer ever’ is taking its precious time getting here (at the moment it’s more like the wettest summer since Noah). But we’ve got faith in the meteorologists. And when summer finally arrives, there’s no better way to spend a balmy night than under the stars watching a movie. This year, there are more outdoor cinema experiences than ever – you can watch a movie in a spooky cemetery or chill outside the Tower of London. Here are five weird and wacky venues to watch movies
1. At a cemetery
‘Psycho’ at Brompton Cemetery
There’s no better way to channel your inner teenage goth than perched among the tombstones at Brompton Cemetery in West London watching a creepy movie. The graveyard is one of London’s oldest (and loveliest), and its three-night mini-season of spook-your-socks-off screenings are always super atmospheric. Take a blanket, take a picnic and maybe take a priest – 205,000 bodies are buried beneath you. All profits go to charity, and organisers Nomad are always spot on with the street food. September 7. www.whereisthenomad.com
2. In a moat
‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ at the Tower of London
In August, for three nights the Tower of London will be turned into a giant outdoor cinema. This is the first time the Tower has screened movies, and the audience will sit in the moat (it’s filled with earth, not water – during WWII they grew veggies in it). Three films will be showing – ‘Gladiator’, ‘Romeo + Juliet’ and our pick ‘Star Wars The Force Awakens’. Just mind your Ps and Qs – you don’t want to end up thrown in a dungeon. August 9. www.thelunacinema.com
3. In a swimming pool
‘Jaws’ in a dinghy at Brockwell Lido
That’s right! You can watch ‘Jaws’ while reclining in a floating dinghy in the pool at Brockwell Lido – which is showing three aquatic-themed movies this summer (the other two are ‘Titanic’ and ‘The Life Aquatic’). The dinghies are VIP seats. Everyone else bring cushions, you’re on the concrete poolside. And even if it rains, no biggie. You’re already in the water. Kind of. July 14. www.thelunacinema.com
4. By the canal
Catch a boat and a movie
Floating Cinema’s sixty-foot barge is a regular on London’s canals over the summer. While a hefty chunk of outdoor cinema events are about sitting you down in front of a cheesy 1980s fave, these guys take an arty approach. They moor up for big-fun and free screenings for up to 500 people on the canal side. This year’s programme is ‘Another Country’, curated by the novelist Hari Kunzru. www.floatingcinema.info. Programme details tbc.
5. In a hot tub
Watch a movie with semi-naked people
Much less pervy than it sounds, Hot Tub Cinema puts you in an inflatable hot tub with seven strangers (or friends if you can fill a tub). Watch a cult movie, quaff a drink and channel your inner rap superstar. Venue and dates for the August season are still tbc. www.hottubcinema.com