Archived event
Film
Reading Abbey Ruins Outdoor Cinema
30 Aug 2025-31 Aug 2025
Outdoor cinema is back in the Reading Abbey Ruins this summer!
Break open the popcorn and get ready for two evenings of cinema under the stars in August. Either return to the magic of Hogwarts, or join the circus for the evening:
Saturday 30th August 2025 - The Greatest Showman
Hugh Jackman stars in this bold and original musical - inspired by the ambition and imagination of P.T. Barnum - celebrating the birth of show business and dreams coming to life.
Sunday 31st August 2025 - Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix
Lord Voldemort has returned, but the Ministry of Magic is doing everything it can to keep the wizarding world from knowing the truth.
Both events are expected to sell out, so please book early to avoid disappointment.
⌚ Film start at 8:15pm (access to the Abbey Ruins from 7:45pm).
📍 Entry to the venue will be available through the Forbury Gardens and into the Abbey Ruins via the entrance gate close to the Abbey Cross landmark. The Forbury Gardens gates will close at dusk, so if you are a late arrival and arrive after dusk, you will need to enter the venue through the bottom gate on Chestnut Walk.
🌙 Please note, if it is a particularly bright evening, the film start time may be delayed by up to 15 minutes.
🍿 Food and drink provision will be comfirmed closer to the event.
🎬 The Greatest Showman is rated PG, Harry Potter & The Order of the Phoenix is rated 12. All children under 16 MUST be accompanied by an adult.
🔦 We encourage all attendees to bring their own torch / flashlight to use when exiting the venue. Outside of the venue, strretlights will light the way.
🦮 With the exception of guide dogs, no dogs or other animals are allowed at the event.
☀️ The screening will continue come rain or come shine, so please dress accordingly! If unsafe weather is forecast (high winds / thunder and lightning), the event will be rescheduled or cancelled at the discretion of the event organiser. If cancelled, a full refund will be issued to all ticket buyers. If rescheduled, your tickets will be automatically transferred to the rescheduled date (with a refund option given).
🪑 Ticket purchase does NOT include seating, but you are welcome to bring your own blankets, cushions or camping chairs to enjoy the show. Alternatively, you can reserve a deckchair at the time of ticket purchase.
🚗 Parking is not available at the venue, but various public parking is available in Reading town centre.
🎫 Please ensure you bring your e-ticket with you (on your phone or as a paper ticket). If you have purchased a concession ticket, please arrive with proof of eligibility.
The screening is organised by Frontier Screens (sister company of Frontier Sapiens). Our privacy policy can be viewed here.