Bedford's Cineworld plans to re-open next month

Cineworld has confirmed the date it is hoping to have its cinemas up and running again across England.

The announcement comes after all of the chain's screens have been closed for months during the coronavirus crisis.

The chain is aiming to have cinemas across England, including the one in Aspects Leisure Centre, operational again by Friday, July 10.

"We know how much you’ve been missing the cinema and we are thrilled to be back!" Cineworld said.

"With great films ahead, including Mulan, Tenet, A Quiet Place Part II, No Time To Die, and many more, we can’t wait to welcome you back."

However, it does note that cinemas will only reopen, "subject to final clarifications and confirmation in regards to UK government restrictions".

"The health and wellbeing of our customers and employees is our top priority," they say.

"We are following government guidelines in order to make cinemagoers feel as comfortable and provide a safe but enjoyable cinema experience."

It won't quite be business as usual when Cineworld cinemas re-open, and social distancing measures will be in place across all of their sites.

Tickets will be available to book in advance on their website and via the Cineworld app. Confirmation emails can be used as tickets, and e-tickets are available on the app.

The booking system has also been updated to allow friends and family to sit together while ensuring a safe distance between customers from different households in screens.

Film start and end times will be staggered to reduce customers crossing paths with other customers going in or out of other screens and buildup of crowds in the foyer; additional cleaning time will be added between films.

Plastic screens will be installed at concessions areas where safe distancing cannot be maintained, and Cineworld will implement an advanced cleaning programme designed to clean and sanitise the "high touch points" within each cinema.

Hand sanitiser stations will be provided in all cinemas for customers and employees.

For more information on Cineworld's reopening visit: www.cineworld.co.uk.