Cineworld has confirmed its intentions to reopen screens across the UK and Ireland more than two weeks later than initially intended next month.
The cinema chain had previously announced it would once again open to the public on 10th July, after being given the green light by the government to do so, but this date has now been pushed back to 31st July.
A statement on the Cineworld website and social media platforms this morning reads: “In line with recent changes to upcoming film release dates, we have made the decision to move our re-opening date to 31st July. We hope that we will be able to re-open the doors of all Cineworld cinemas across the UK and Ireland at that time, subject to UK government restrictions.”
“With the on-going pandemic, this new date remains subject to final confirmation.”
We know how much you’ve been missing the cinema and we are excited to welcome you back to Cineworld soon.”
Cineworld is the second-largest cinema chain in the world, operating 128 branches in the UK & Ireland and a number of which are based in Greater Manchester.
Speaking ahead of cinemas reopening in UK & Ireland, Mooky Greidinger, CEO at Cineworld, said: “Movie fans around the world continue to be excited by the strong slate of summer films ahead, including Tenet, Mulan, A Quiet Place Part II, Unhinged, The Broken Hearts Gallery, Bill & Ted Face the Music, Greenland, and Antebellum, as well as a special re-release of Christopher Nolan’s Inception on IMAX.”
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“Cineworld looks forward to welcoming these moviegoers back to our cinemas next month and believes that they will once again be immersed in the timeless theatrical experience they know and love.”
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In order to provide a safe environment for employees and guests in light of the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Cineworld has released a comprehensive list of safety measures it is putting in place ahead of reopening next month:
SOCIAL DISTANCING – Social distancing measures will be implemented across all areas within the cinema.
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HAND WASHING – All employee and customer toilets will be stocked with anti-bacterial hand soap, and stringent hand washing guidelines will be trained out to all employees to supplement our current personal hygiene policy.
HAND SANITISERS – Hand sanitiser stations will be provided in all cinemas for customers and employees.
ADDITIONAL CLEANING – Cineworld’s already high cleaning standards will be enhanced by a cleaning programme designed to sanitise the high touch points within the cinema.
E-TICKETING – 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.
UPDATED SEATING MAPS – The booking system has been updated to allow friends and family to sit together while ensuring a safe distance between customers from different households in our cinema screens.
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This will vary on the capacity and layout of each screen.
Kris Luhares (via Unsplash)
STAGGERED FILM TIMES – 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 also be added between films.
PLASTIC SCREENS AT THE TILL – Screens will be added at concessions areas where safe distancing cannot be maintained.
CONTACTLESS PAYMENTS – Tills will be accepting contactless card payments up to a value of £45 and Apple Pay/Google Pay mobile payments with no limit. The ticket machines in most of cinemas will also accept contactless payments and the rest will be upgrading in due course.
TRAINING & PPE – All employees will receive specific COVID-19 training and PPE will be provided to employees where the risk assessment has deemed it necessary, in line with government requirements.
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SUPPORT FROM TEAM MEMBERS – Trained staff will be on hand to offer assistance to customers.
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For more information ahead of reopening, you can visit the Cineworld website here.
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Billie Eilish reveals the reason why chose Manchester to film her new movie
Danny Jones
Global superstar Billie Eilish has revealed the reason why she chose Manchester, of all places, to film her upcoming new movie.
The answer won’t surprise you, but we were buzzing with it nonetheless.
In case you were unaware, Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour is the new documentary and live concert film directed by Billie herself, along with some help from none other than James Cameron.
Being screened not only in cinemas but also in 3D (yes, that’s still a thing), the performance-based movie captures content taken from her run of gigs right here in Manchester. Here’s why she picked us:
Though it’s still no surprise, really, we always find it so surreal seeing some of the world’s most famous artists speaking so highly about our city.
As you can see, while she did quip that the schedule lined up production-wise, it was an easy decision to pick her four – yes, FOUR sold-out nights at Co-op Live, as the place to film the project based on the atmosphere alone.
“I fricking love Manchester”, said the 24-year-old, going on to add, “Honestly, Manchester is one of my favourite audiences ever.”
Manc fans simply couldn’t get enough of her, hence why she was able to book so many big dates at the massive arena.
Here’s the big surprise she brought out for the show we were lucky enough to be at:
We love Billie and, as it turns out, she feels the same about us.
The release date for Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft tour movie is coming around early next month, with the film set to be screened in selected cinemas across the UK and beyond on May 8, 2026.
Speaking in the recent interview on the red carpet with the BBC, she also detailed how fellow Academy Award-winner Cameron contacted her first about the prospect of creating this immersive music project.
Imagine just picking up the phone to James Cameron – as you do…
Will you be watching? Better still, were you at one of the shows and plan to look out for yourself in the crowd, which is now soon to be splashed on the big screen?
Manchester United home kit for 2026/27 ‘leaked’ online in unboxing video
Danny Jones
Manchester United’s new home kit for the 2026/27 campaign has reportedly been leaked online in a YouTuber’s unboxing video ahead of next season.
We know fake shirts and dupes can be pretty accurate these days, but it looks very much like this could be the real deal.
Shared by dedicated football kit reviewer, ‘Retro Man‘, who has seemingly revealed the latest Man United jersey, this unveiling lines up with the previously rumoured designs circulated on social media.
A Red Devil himself, the creator has teased previous releases that turned out to be true in the past, so we’ll leave it up to all of you to decide how bona fide you think this supposed home strip is. Ever-reliable footy fashion peers, Footy Headlines, have also shared these images:
Uploaded to the channel on 25 April, Retro Man did a full overview of the United 26/27 home shirt, highlighting key features such as a red-forward collar with black and white accents.
That same trim is repeated on the ends of the sleeves – reminiscent of the 2011/12 iteration, only differing in the more crew neck style – and the back of the neck now simply reads “UNITED”.
It is worth noting that this is specifically the replica shirt that most fans will purchase.
Should it prove to be the genuine article, this will be the 11th Manchester United kit by adidas since they returned as manufacturers over a decade ago, a.k.a. the start of the Louis van Gaal era.
Retro Man has since posted another video showing off what he claims to be the ‘authentic’ version, too; you can check it out in more detail down below.
Looks pretty legit…
As you can see, the official player edition that will be worn on the pitch by actual United squad members (though they are still available to purchase by the public) appears to hold some key distinctions.
Besides some differences around the panelling and stitching, there is also a noticeable textured section along large sections of the interwoven fabric as part of the brand’s breathable and trademark ‘Climacool’ technology.
Elsewhere, the badge itself also looks to have a more embossed/raised finish. If this is the real deal, what do you make of it?
This isn’t the only United kit that’s caught some attention of late, either: