Exclusive: Millennium Square to transform into outdoor cinema for blockbuster movie screenings in Leeds

Millennium Square in Leeds will host a series of film screenings over the next few months.

City Buzz can exclusively reveal that the square will host a series of special summer screenings, with blockbusters including Grease, Avengers Assemble, Skyfall and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

A specially-created auditorium and seating area will be set up for the events, which will be held this summer.

Each screening will include its own movie-themed entertainment – from a fairground and American-style diner food for Grease to cocktails, a casino and James Bond cars for Skyfall and fancy dress competitions and costumed characters for the Avengers movie.

Leeds City Council has teamed up with Leeds Film and Sneaky Experience for the new outdoor cinema experience, which will be called The Film House on the Square.

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “Millennium Square is a superb venue for events like this which bring the public together for a shared experience and I’m sure there will be a fantastic atmosphere at these film screenings.

“Films are also a key part of people’s cultural identity and putting them on the big screen is another example of us putting culture and the arts at the heart of life in Leeds.

“It has always been our ambition for the square to be a place for the people of Leeds to enjoy and the varied programme of events we are holding this summer offers something for everyone.”

Visitors will have the chance to travel back to Rydell High and sing along with Danny and Sandy when Grease is screened at the square on July 27.

As well as grabbing an American-style burger and milkshake, guests can get their picture taken in a photobooth and ride fairground attractions.

Tickets, which go on sale next week, cost £10 for adults and £8 for concessions.

Meanwhile superhero fans can catch Avengers Assemble on the big screen on July 28, with the chance to interact with some of the costumed characters before watching Iron Man, Captain America, The Hulk, Thor, Black Widow and Hawkeye in action.

Movie-lovers are encouraged to dress up as their favourite characters, with prizes for the best costume.

Tickets for the Avengers event cost £6 for adults and £5 for children and concessions.

In the evening, James Bond fans can join the gentleman spy for a showing of Skyfall, which will include cocktails, a mobile casino and an appearance by an iconic Aston Martin.

And finally on Friday, July 29, sci-fi fans can travel to a galaxy far, far away as the biggest blockbuster of the year gets two showings.

The Star Wars: The Force Awakens screenings will give guests the chance to come face to face with Stormtroopers and other iconic characters.

With such a great line-up of events and films, it’s great to see the square – which was once cruelly dubbed ‘The People’s Patio’ – being put to good use.

The £12m site is finally proving to be a hub for the city centre and we can’t wait to see what’s in store next year.

Tickets for all film screenings go on sale on Wednesday, May 25.

To book, visit www.leeds.gov.uk/filmhouse or call the box office on 0113 376 0318.