SCOTLAND’S capital is to revive its programme of free outdoor cinema screenings where fans will be able to enjoy a variety of old and new movies.
People will be able to head to St Andrew Square from June 23 to 25 to enjoy “the UK’s largest free outdoor cinema experience”.
It will see pop-up bars brought into the square, with fans encouraged to bring along picnics.
Business group Essential Edinburgh, which is responsible for the garden at the heart of the square, announced the plans for the event which has been rebranded as Square Cinema.
Mean Girls, Back to the Future and Dirty Dancing will be shown on the opening day while Saturday’s line-up features Encanto, The Wizard of Oz, Hairspray, Elvis and Rocketman.
On the final day, Lyle, Lyle Crocodile, Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical, Local Hero, Dr Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Top Gun: Maverick will be screened.
The free screenings in the square have previously been staged in collaboration with the Edinburgh International Film Festival, with the last two going ahead in August to coincide with the main event.
A scaled-back edition of the festival will be going ahead in August as part of the Edinburgh International Festival after funding support was agreed by the Scottish Government, Screen Scotland and Edinburgh City Council.
Chief executive Roddy Smith said: “Essential Edinburgh is delighted to bring this fantastic event to St Andrew Square for the 13th year.
“We have a new name, and a new look for 2023, but the same epic outdoor movie experience.
“Square Cinema is only possible thanks to the superb partnership between Essential Edinburgh, our supporters and the production team at Unique Events.
“As always, it is a fantastic mix of movies that can be enjoyed for free in the stunning surroundings of Edinburgh’s most famous square.
“We look forward to welcoming people to what is one of the best free events of the year.”
The full programme for this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival will be announced at the beginning of next month.
Director Al Thomson said: “We can’t wait to welcome audiences back to St Andrew Square later this month to experience another packed weekend of spectacular outdoor cinema.
“Square Cinema has something for everyone. Essential Edinburgh and the city centre businesses ensuring there is free admission to all is great news for our family audiences and the city.”
