Belfast One’s Summer Cinema set to light up City Hall lawn this July and August

Love Ballymena
4 days ago
3 min read

Five-year-old Lottie Hope Cathcart poses with Elsa and Elphaba from Real Princesses NI and Top Gun characters from Prop Box NI as they get ready for Belfast One’s Summer Cinema taking place on Belfast City Hall lawn in July and August

Belfast’s much-loved Summer Cinema is making a vibrant return to the City Hall lawn, promising two weekends packed with family favourites, singalong sensations and open-air entertainment in the heart of the city.

Hosted by Belfast One BID, the city centre’s Business Improvement District, the outdoor cinema extravaganza will take place on Sunday 27 July and Sunday 3 August, offering eight screenings in total across the two themed weekends.

Tickets are available now at just £2 each (to cover administration costs) via the Belfast Film Festival website, with a second wave of tickets released on Tuesday 8 July.

As in previous years, early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

Two themed weekends of big-screen Magic

This year’s Summer Cinema is split into two curated experiences. The first Sunday, dubbed Adventure Awaits, features a mix of animated favourites and high-energy blockbusters including:

Inside Out (U) – 11:00am
Dogman (U) – 1:20pm
Wicked (PG) – 3:35pm
Top Gun (15) – 7:00pm

The second Sunday shifts into full musical mode with Singalong Sunday, showing:

Moana (PG) – 11:00am
Frozen 2 (U) – 1:30pm
Mamma Mia! (12) – 4:00pm
The Greatest Showman (PG) – 6:35pm

Audiences are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and warm clothing, and even dogs on leads are welcome to join the festivities.

More than just movies

The Summer Cinema experience goes beyond the big screen. Each day will feature live entertainment, including performances from Make A Sound and the Belfast Rock Choir, along with face painting, walkabout characters, and other family-friendly attractions.

Attendees will also benefit from exclusive city centre offers, giveaways, and discounts at select Belfast businesses – making it a full day out for both locals and visitors.

Five-year-old Lottie Hope Cathcart alongside CEO of Belfast One BID Martina Connolly alongside Elsa and Elphaba from Real Princesses NI and Top Gun characters from Prop Box NI as they get ready for Belfast One’s Summer Cinema taking place on Belfast City Hall lawn.

Martina Connolly, CEO of Belfast One, expressed her delight at the return of the event:

“We are delighted to bring back Belfast One’s Summer Cinema – this is Northern Ireland’s largest outdoor cinema event, which draws visitors from across the region and delivers a significant boost to city centre footfall, with thousands attending year after year.

“It offers a fantastic opportunity for attendees to support our vibrant local economy in the city centre by eating, drinking, and shopping in nearby businesses, while enjoying quality film and family entertainment.”

Ms Connolly added that the cinema is just one part of a broader summer series:

“This year, we’re proud to again offer fun value-led activities for local residents, tourists, young families and friends to enjoy making it an inclusive and affordable day out for everyone.”

Free ice cream & family travel deals

Adding to the fun, Dale Farm will be onsite during selected screenings with free ice cream samples.

Holly Milne, Brand Manager for Dale Farm, commented:

“We are delighted to be part of Belfast One’s Summer Cinema this year. Dale Farm will be on site during selected screenings, providing ice cream samples across two days. It’s a perfect opportunity for us to share some of our favourite Dale Farm treats and connect with the community in a fun and relaxed setting.”

To make the day even more affordable and sustainable, Translink is offering a Family & Friends ticket, giving groups access to cost-effective travel by bus or train into the city centre.

Visitors are encouraged to plan their journey at www.translink.co.uk.