Cinema-goers in Kingston will soon be able to go back to the big screen to see the new blockbuster movies.

The Odeon cinema chain has just announced plans to re-open its doors on Monday May 17 after months of lockdown closures.

The Odeon, which has 120 cinemas around the UK, announced it would be re-opening the vast majority of its sites on this day.

The chain's Richmond cinema will also be re-opening on May 17.

Managing director of Odeon cinemas Carol Welch said: "We've all missed the magic that the cinema brings to movie watching."

Film fans will be able to see a host of new 2021 film releases, including Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway, Fast & Furious 9, Marvel's Black Widow and the long-awaited Bond film No Time to Die.

The chain will also screen Oscar-winning films that have already been shown on screening services such as Sound Of Metal (Amazon Prime) and Nomadland (Disney+).

To comply with social distancing requirements, inema seats will be limited and visitors will be expected to wear face masks throughout the screening, except when eating or drinking.

In addition, show start times will be staggered to reduce queues and cinemas will no longer accept cash payments.

Cinema goers are advised to pre-book their seats online.

The cinema industry has been one of the worst hit sectors during the pandemic with many screens closed for extended periods or operating at reduced capacity.

Major releases have been delayed because of lockdown including the latest James Bond film, No Time to Die, which was repeatedly postponed.

The film, which had originally been due to hit screens in April 2020, will now debut globally on 8 October.

For more information visit the Odeon Kingston website

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