O2 Feature 2: Summer Drive-Ins

Seven ways to have the ultimate Mexican staycation

Catch classic films, stand-up comedy and even theatre from the comfort and safety of your car at these drive-in events in the UK this summer

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Written by Time Out

Time Out

Time Out’s guide to summer drive-in events

all of summer 2020. Well, buddy, things are looking up, because as lockdown gently eases, the drive-in trend is rising. Wherever you are in the UK, chances are there’s a drive-in cinema event – or maybe even a karaoke sing-along – in relatively close proximity. Together with Priority, we’re bringing you a selection of the best. But remember, people: this info is accurate at time of writing but things are changing quickly, so please check before you travel. Want more tips on making the most of summer 2020? Check out our guide to the best experiences across the UK, curated exclusively for Priority customers.

The one that’s big on retro Americana

What is it? @TheDriveIn Where is it? Locations in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Cardiff, Bristol, London, Southampton and Brighton Waiters in rollerskates bringing you retro American-style snacks? Yes please! This multi-city drive-in cinema is going above and beyond, adding car karaoke sessions, silent discos and stand-up comedy to their screenings. Choose from recent blockbusters like ‘A Star is Born’, or ‘Joker’; or go old-school with classics like ‘Back to the Future’ or ‘Grease’. Various dates until October. £38.50 per car (two people).

The one that’s everywhere

What is it? Adventure Drive-in Where is it? Locations in London, Huntingdon, Nutfield, Peterborough, Exeter, Wales True to its name, this drive-in series is roaming far and wide across the UK, stopping by in towns, country parks, racecourses and cities across the country. The programme is just as varied as its geographical spread, ranging from family favourites like ‘The Lion King’ and ‘Labyrinth’ to recent thriller ‘The Invisible Man’. Various dates until September. £27.50 per car.

The one with all the family faves

What is it? Flix Drive-in Where is it? Bournemouth Airport Sing along to ‘The Lion King’ or ‘The Little Mermaid’; marvel at cute little Wall-E’s and clever ‘Matilda’; laugh along to ‘Minions’ – it’s all here at Flix, alongside grown-up faves like ‘Fight Club’ and ‘Pulp Fiction’. You’ll eat well here too: celeb chef Aldo Zilli has created an Italian menu with everything from mushroom, cream and truffle pasta to fried zucchini flower (and pasta al pomodoro for children). August 26-31. £28.35 per car.

The one in an outdoor arena

What is it? Cinestock Where is it? South of England Showground, Sussex It’s all killer, no filler at this epic drive-in space. Housed in two arenas – one indoor, one outdoor – Cinestock’s programme of cult faves and new hits offers something for every taste. Bring your mates for a late evening screening of ‘Bridesmaids’, or go all-out in costume for ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’. Until August 21. £25 for two passengers, then £5 for additional passengers.

The one with the gourmet food

What is it? Drive & Dine Theatre Where is it? Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge Top chef Paul Ainsworth has teamed up with the folks behind the mega-food and drink tour Pub in the Park to bring a drive-in cinema experience with a menu that’s as tasty as its line-up of films. High-end versions of classic snacks is the go-to here, so you can munch on Cornish ‘Drive-in Dogs’, ‘Cinema Samosa’ and ‘Ainsworth Fried Chicken’ while you watch family faves like ‘Toy Story 4’ and ‘Finding Dory’, or hits like ‘The Beach’, ‘La La Land’ and ‘Rocketman’. Various dates until August 16. From £16 per person.

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The one in amazing locations

What is it? Luna Drive-in Cinema Where is it? London, Midlands, Stevenage, Leeds, Cheshire, Dorset You can’t go wrong with Luna, producers of much-loved UK outdoor cinema who have pivoted to drive-in for 2020. They’ve certainly not disappointed when it comes to their venues: we’re talking Blenheim Palace, Warwick Castle, Knebworth Park and other grand locales. The film selection is equally impressively; highlights include ‘Parasite’, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, ‘Jojo Rabbit’ and ‘Rocketman’. Various dates until August 17. From £35 for two passengers, then £5 for additional passengers.

here may have been a time, several months back, when you resigned yourself to the idea that your social life would be confined to your home – and maybe your local park – for

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The one curated by Edinburgh International Film Festival

What is it? Drive-In Movies Where is it? Edinburgh Airport For more than 15 years, the Edinburgh International Film Festival has been teaming up with Unique Events to produce Scotland’s largest free outdoor film event, ‘Film Fest in the City’. Thankfully, the tradition remains alive and well this year, with a cleverly curated programme including ‘Sunshine on Leith’, Alien’, ‘The Princess Bride’, ‘Romeo + Juliet’ and ‘Clueless’. Gourmet street food will be on sale, too. Various dates until August 30. £38.50 per car.

The one in the water park

The one with the tribute bands

What is it? Nightflix Where is it? Newark Everyone loves a good tribute act, right? Nightflix is pairing its nightly films with live tribute acts – for example, ‘Pitch Perfect’ is accompanied by Ultimate Girl Power, who do super-fun tributes to the Spice Girls, Ariana Grande and Little Mix. ‘Shaun of the Dead’ comes with a Killers tribute, and ‘Quadrophenia’ gets a Madness tribute. Food-wise, Nightflix has teamed up with Barbell Burger Co, and vegetarian options are available. Until August 26. £27 per car.

The one with big-name comics

What is it? Cinestock Where is it? South of England Showground, Sussex For something a little different to the drive-in cinema experience, why not book in for a night of belly laughs at Cinestock’s four comedy sessions, curated by the award-winning Grinstock Comedy Club. Headliners include Mark Watson, Ed Byrne and Tim Vine. Until August 15-16. From £20 for two passengers, then £10 for additional passengers.

The one in the castle

What is it? Car Park Comedy – Comedy from The Comedy Store Where is it? Powderham Castle, Exeter Car Park Party is going all-out for summer 2020, with a programme of comedy, theatre and karaoke going down at a 600-year-old manor near Exeter. They’ve aimed high with their comedy line-up, teaming up with the world-famous Comedy Store for its programme (currently TBC). Friday August 14. £37.50 per car.

Where is it? Chichester Why go? If you think camping isn’t for you, then you probably haven’t tried sleeping in a hand crafted Mongolian yurt in the South Downs. This glamping option is the perfect choice for those who shudder at the thought of damp roll mats and no-frills, flimsy tents. Instead, swap the sleeping bags for hand-carved wooden beds with proper mattresses and Egyptian cotton bedding, and add a wood-burning stove to keep you cosy, no matter the weather. There are flushing toilets and hot showers too. In short, everything you need to get back to nature without sacrificing your home comforts.

7 Oak Apple Lodge

Where is it? Dorset Why go? Peace and quiet is guaranteed in this secluded spot surrounded by old oak trees. You get a true rural experience, but with mirrors, lanterns, heated blankets and Moroccan-inspired interiors rather than sleeping bags and tent pegs.

8 The Lost Retreat Garden

Where is it? Suffolk Why go? These canvas lodges are so luxe we’re not sure you can get away with calling a stay here camping. The four tents look out over a pretty lake, and each comes with a wood-fired hot tub, fire pit, BBQ, king-sized four poster, real bath (in a bathroom with heated floors!) and fully-equipped kitchen. Roughing it this is most definitely not.

9 Deer’s Glade Caravan and Camping Park

Where is it? Norfolk Why go? Right now, no one needs an excuse to treat themselves – 2020 has been a wild ride, and you deserve it! Treat you and your significant other to a night in a super-cute bell tent in the woods of Norfolk. These spacious tents are kitted out with vinyl flooring, heaters and even a TV. There’s also the option to stay in cosy little camping pods or a rustic (yet well furnished) shepherd’s hut.

10 Top of the Woods

Comedy

Theatre

The one with the live band

What is it? Car Park Karaoke Where is it? Powderham Castle, Exeter If you haven’t encountered The Massaoke Band, then you’re in for a real treat. It’s karaoke that everyone sings along to (with lyrics on giant screens), accompanied by a rollicking live band. They’re doing two sessions on the same day; one is musical theatre-themed, and the other is all about the eighties. Air guitars at the ready. Saturday August 15. £37.50 per car.

The one for families

What is it? Car Park Theatre – ‘Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain’ Where is it? Powderham Castle, Exeter Kids and adults alike are sure to love the whacky (yet educational) antics of ‘Horrible Histories’. The hugely popular stage version of the series, presented by Birmingham Stage Company, will bring to life infamous figures like Richard III, Dick Turpin, Henry VIII, Boudicca and even the Burke and Hare murders. Saturday August 15. £37.50 per car.

Karaoke

Cinema

Comedy

The one in the castle

Theatre

Cinema

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Photograph: Car Park Comedy

Photograph: Car Park Theatre

Photograph: Car Park Karaoke

Photograph: Flix Drive-in

Photograph: Adventure Drive-in

Photograph: Flix Drive-in

Photograph: Car Park Comedy

Photograph: Car Park Theatre

Photograph: Car Park Karaoke

Photograph: Adventure Drive-in

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What is it? Let's Go Hydro Where is it? Belfast A drive-in cinema in a water park? You betcha. Belfast watersports and activity resort Let’s Go Hydro is inviting locals to dive into a programme stacked with some heart-warming classics like ‘Titanic’, ‘Singing in the Rain’, ‘Pretty Woman’ – but has also included an impressively left-field selection not often seen at summer cinema events, including ‘Psycho’, ‘The Beatles 8 Days a Week’ and ‘Bruce Springsteen Live in Concert’. Various dates until August 30. £24 per car.

Photograph: Cinestock

Image: @TheDriveIn

Image: Drive-In Movies

Photograph: The Luna Cinema

Photograph: Drive & Dine Theatre

Photograph: Flix Drive-in

Photograph: Cinestock

Image: Adventure Drive-in

Photograph: Cinestock

Photograph: Drive-In Movies

Photograph: The Luna Cinema

Photograph: Drive & Dine Theatre

Photograph: Cinestock