Throughout lockdown I have missed going to the cinema. Outdoor cinema is the new THING and now even the UK’s first cinematic experience by boat. There are only a few days left to enjoy this, though. The Openaire Float-In Cinema sponsored by luxury ice cream brand Häagen-Dazs is opened to the public until Sunday 27th September. It follows the pioneering global first ‘cinema on water’ concept by Häagen-Dazs in partnership with the City of Paris and MK2 earlier this summer, which received widespread global acclaim.
Photo credit: David Parry/PA Wire
This venture is a partnership between Openaire and GoBoat sponsored by Häagen-Dazs involving a fleet of sixteen eco-boats that provide seating for up to 128 people at this outdoors cinematic experience on Regent’s Canal.
Upon arrival, guests can captain their self-drive vessel around Little Venice before mooring at Merchant Square to watch a feature film. A giant 6x3m Hi-res LED video screen facing the water is showing blockbuster hits such as Titanic and A Star Is Born. High quality audio is supplied via sanitised wireless headphones to ensure an uninterrupted experience with some of the most popular flavours of Häagen-Dazs ice cream to provide a touch of extraordinary indulgence. If guests haven’t found their sea legs yet fear not, there will also be dozens of socially spaced deckchairs along the towpath.
Photo credit: David Parry/PA Wire
The line-up for the Openaire Float-in Cinema includes afternoon showings of family favourites such as Toy Story and The Lion Kings, plus special sing-along showings in the evening of Grease, Rocketman, and The Greatest Showman.
Popcorn and snacks will be available for punters to order via a dedicated app and delivered straight to their boat or deckchair, perfectly accompanied by Häagen-Dazs minicups with ‘Don’t Hold Back’ flavour specials every week and daily ice cream prizes.
Photo credit: David Parry/PA Wire
To tie in with the Little Venice theme, award-winning artisan pasta chef RaviOllie has set up a pop-up kitchen on the water’s edge to offer delicious freshly cooked Italian food paired with Häagen-Dazs. Audiences can order without leaving their boat via the app and waiting staff will bring it to them – the perfect addition to any movie!
Boat tickets are £200 for up to 6 people, £225 for 7 people and £250 for 8 people. Deck chairs are £15.00 each.
Tickets and film listing is at https://www.openaire.co.uk/.
Photo credit: David Parry/PA Wire
Due to Government guidelines the organisers are currently accepting the following bookings:
o Two households/bubbles per boat (maximum capacity 8 people)
o Four individuals from different households per boat, maintaining 1m social distance whilst on board.
Monica Costa founded London Mums in September 2006 after her son Diego’s birth together with a group of mothers who felt the need of meeting up regularly to share the challenges and joys of motherhood in metropolitan and multicultural London. London Mums is the FREE and independent peer support group for mums and mumpreneurs based in London https://www.londonmumsmagazine.com and you can connect on Twitter @londonmums
