Our ever-popular Screen On The Green is returning to Newcastle's Old Eldon Square - a sure sign that summer has really started in the city, with a packed programme of films and sporting action.
It’s time to grab a deckchair - or beanbag or space on a picnic bench - and settle in for that blockbuster movie, kids’ favourite or a nail-biting sports event. Taking place in the heart of the city, NE1's Screen on the Green is family-friendly, fun and best of all free!
This year there’ll be much-loved kids movies like The BFG, Winnie The Pooh and Paddington alongside family favourites like Cruella, Pinocchio and The Lion King. If action and adventure are more your thing, why not pull up a deckchair for Jurassic World: Dominion, Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania or Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness? And if you love musicals, there’s The Greatest Showman, Oliver and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. In a nutshell, there's something for everyone!
What is NE1's Screen on the Green?
It's a summer-long programme of fun film screenings and sporting action taking place on our big screen - and best of all it's all completely free!
Where is it?
Screen On The Green is right in the heart of Newcastle at Old Eldon Square, next to the shopping centre and just a minute’s walk from Monument.
What are the dates?
The screen fires into life on July 4th and will be showing a selection of big-ticket sporting events until Monday 24th July, when the film programme begins. Then there’ll be two or three films a day right through until Sunday 3rd September.
What sports will be shown?
For the first fortnight, you can catch Wimbledon every day from around midday to 6pm. Then after a rest day, you can catch each day's action in the Tour de France (times vary so check the website). And finally look out for the FIFA Women’s World Cup final, which will be shown on Sunday 20th August at midday.
When will the movies be shown?
Every day there will be two films – at midday and 3pm. Every Thursday there’ll be an additional film at 6pm – expect big, recent blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick, Elvis and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. And every Tuesday morning at 10.30am, our brand-new Toddler Takeover will be taking over Old Eldon Square.
What is Toddler Takeover?
Every Tuesday morning, the screen will devoted to BBC adaptations of some of childrens' writer Julia Donaldson’s most popular books – The Gruffalo, Zog, Stickman and more. It’ll be all about the toddlers, with picnic blankets, juice and some stories from Seven Stories too - perfect fun for your pint-sized kiddiwinkles!
Are all the films suitable for children?
Every film is a 12A or lower, so everybody is allowed to watch, although parents should make their own decisions about whether a particular film is appropriate for younger children. There’s certainly nothing that’s not suitable for a family-friendly environment. That said, there are plenty of films aimed more squarely at adults so there’s plenty of opportunities to book a babysitter and settle in for a blockbuster you might have missed at the cinema. Remember to check out the Screen on the Green film schedule ahead of stopping by which has guidelines for films classified 12A.
How much does it cost and can I reserve a seat?
All the screenings are free and no tickets are needed - just rock up and take your place. If you’re concerned about getting the best seat in the house, we’d just recommend getting down there a bit early to bag the one you want!
What if it rains?
Living in the North East means the weather is a tad unpredictable even in the height of summer. We recommend checking the weather forecast, dressing appropriately and not forgetting the brolly and a warm layer or two!
Can I eat and drink during the screenings?
Of course! And there’s any number of great places to grab snacks and treats right by the square - from Waitrose and Tesco to Greggs, Costa and Starbucks - plus lots of independent outlets.
You could make an event out of it – there are so many places to go for a late lunch for post-movie dinner. Around the square itself you’ll find Wagamama, Nando’s and Pizza Express, and that part of the city is packed with excellent restaurants.
Every year, the NE1 team work hard to bring you a series of excellent events to make your summer in Newcastle a great one, and Screen On The Green is one of our most-loved additions to the city.
It’s a great way to spend some time lost in a great film with your friends or your kids. Whether you grab a movie mid-shopping trip or during your lunchbreak - or if you make a whole day of it - Screen On The Green is bound to have something that appeals.