A DARLINGTON cinema is set to reopen its doors later this month. 

Following the successful reopening of ten sites across the UK, Vue Darlington will be reopening its doors on Friday, August 21 - in time for one of this year’s most anticipated blockbusters, Tenet.

Tickets are on sale now for Christopher Nolan’s latest sci-fi action spectacle, arriving on the big screen at all Vue sites on Wednesday, August 26. 

Vue is also bringing a number of fan favourites back to the big screen, with tickets on sale soon for the likes of Harry Potter, Star Wars, La La Land and the works of filmmakers like Christopher Nolan.

Vue is encouraging people to book online and use card payments, and customers must wear face masks.

Here are the changes film goers can expect:

  • Online booking is encouraged to make visits as contactless as possible. Tickets can be accessed on smartphones and will be scanned before entering the screen, allowing you to skip the queue. 
  • Enhanced cleaning protocols and employee PPE are in place. This includes disinfecting every screen between each screening and hand sanitiser stations available throughout venues. Staff will be equipped with PPE to protect themselves and customers.  
  •  Physical distancing meeting government guidelines has been built into the booking system so that customers in one booking are automatically seated apart from others.  
  • Reduced touch points at venues through foyers and into screens. Contactless payments up to the value of £45 and Apple Pay and Google Pay will be accepted and encouraged at till points. 
  • 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 be required to wear a face covering during their visit, although this can be removed to consume food and drink.
  • Customers will also be required to take part in the Test & Trace initiative to help keep themselves and others safe. 

Stuart Dunn, general manager at Vue Darlington, 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 site here in Darlington meets safety protocols in line with the latest government guidance.” 

“We want film-lovers in Darlington 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 hope film-fans are excited as us at the return of the big screen where films like this are supposed to be seen.”

All safety measures will also be clearly signposted at the entrances and throughout the building, and will be in line with government and public health guidance.