Drive-In Cinema Event Planned for Gunnersbury Park

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Luna Cinema proposing 200-car capacity screenings in August and September

A pre-pandemic Luna Cinema event at Chiswick House

The company which manages Gunnersbury Park is understood to be in the advanced stages of discussion to run a drive-in cinema during August and September.

According to the Friends of Gunnersbury Park, the CIC has held discussions through their events team, Event Umbrella, with Luna Cinema to have screenings in the park from 19 August until 8 September.

There would be two screenings each evening, at 6pm and 9pm, with the site closing by 11.30pm. Additional matinee screenings would be held at 3pm on Friday to Saturday.

The capacity for the event would be 200 cars and they would enter the site at the gate by Pope’s Lane/Lionel Road and drive down to the southern end of the park.

It would be possible to order food and drink for delivery to the car and there would be toilet facilities at the site.

This arrangement differs from the abandoned one by Secret Cinema to hold screenings in Gunnersbury Park in which those attending would have left their cars.

The proposal is still subject to planning and licensing approval but it is hoped it will bring in much needed revenue for the park. The Friends of Gunnersbury Park and Museum have expressed concern that the south western playing fields, where the event is to be held, has the softest ground and may be damaged by the cars driving over it.

Luna Cinema are also holding an event in the grounds of Chiswick House around the same time. The films will be shown in the Walled Garden area for three consecutive nights starting at 8.15pm. Tickets cost £37 for a seated pitch for two.

Unlike the Gunnersbury Park screening this isn’t a drive-in event but chairs will be pre-laid out in a designated area to allow for social distancing. Entry will be directly into the Walled Garden off Hogarth Lane by the public car park and tennis courts. There is no access to the event via other entrances into the gardens

The films being shown are as follows:

Monday 17th August – Dirty Dancing

Tuesday 18th August – The Devil Wears Prada

Wednesday 19th August – Rocketman

Luna Cinema is a Kent based company which has been running outdoor cinema events since 2012 hosting screenings at places like Blenheim Palace, Hampton Court and Guildford Cathedral.

We have asked the Gunnersbury Park management and Luna Cinema for comment.

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