Vue cinemas at Kirkstall and in The Light reopen to show Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster Tenet

The cinemas have been closed since the UK coronavirus lockdown in March.

However, they are reopening next week, just in time to show Christopher Nolan’s latest sci-fi action spectacle 'Tenet'.

The film, which is being released on August 26 after being delayed three times due to the pandemic, stars actors such as John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Himesh Patel, Michael Caine and Kenneth Branagh.

Due to the lack of new releases, Vue cinemas will be showcasing a number of fan-favourites such as the Harry Potter series, Star Wars and La La Land.

However, things will not be the same as before due to increased safety measures.

Online booking is now encouraged to make visits as contactless as possible.

Tickets can be accessed on smartphones and will be scanned before entering the screen, allowing people to skip the queue.

Enhanced cleaning will be in place and employees will be wearing personal protective equipment.

Physical distancing meeting government guidelines has been built into the booking system so that customers in one booking are automatically seated apart from others.

Staggered film times will be implemented to maintain physical distancing and reduce the number of people at any one time in foyers and corridors.

Customers will have to wear face coverings at all times except when eating and drinking.

Customers will also be required to take part in the Test & Trace initiative.

Rachel Carter, General Manager at Vue Kirkstall, said: “We’re really pleased to be preparing to reopen our cinema once again and we look forward to welcoming film fans back soon.

“We’ve been working hard to ensure our sites in Leeds meet safety protocols, in line with the latest government guidance.

“We want film-lovers in Leeds and surrounding areas to know that the quality of our viewing experience remains unchanged and customers will continue to enjoy the best audio and picture quality in big screen entertainment, especially with the upcoming release of hotly anticipated titles such as Tenet.

"We’re now pleased to also offer a first class seat to all of our customers. Made with padded leather and a handy fold-away tray to hold drinks and snacks, you won’t want to get up when the credits begin."

Vue cinemas in Leeds will reopen on Friday, August 21.

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Laura Collins