Audience eagerness to return to UK cinemas is at an all-time high according to a new survey

The latest survey findings confirm that eagerness amongst cinema audiences to return to the big screen is at an all-time high. This comes as many cinemas across the UK are given the green light to reopen from 17 May in the next stage of the roadmap out of lockdown, with over 80 percent of UK cinemas set to welcome audiences back in the next few weeks.

An ongoing tracking study, commissioned by the cross-industry body Cinema First, and in-field between 21 – 27 April, confirms that 38 percent of audiences plan to return within the first month of sites reopening, and another 34 percent within the first few months of reopening

The survey, which has repeatedly flagged cinemagoing as the most missed out-of-home entertainment activity, also confirms that teens, young adults, and families will be amongst the first to return, re-engaging with the immersive and thrilling experience that only comes from watching the latest films on the big screen. Over 59 percent of audience members surveyed agreed that the cinema experience cannot be recreated at home, citing spectacular visuals and immersive sound and the unique atmosphere that only the cinema can provide.

Returning audiences will be able to enjoy a strong slate of new films over the coming months and beyond. Just within the first month following reopening, that diverse selection will include: newly-crowned Oscar winners Nomadland, Minari, The Father, Judas and the Black Messiah, Sound of Metal and Another Round; big-hitting sequels such as Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway and A Quiet Place Part II; keenly anticipated crowd-pleasers like Cruella and In the Heights; and global box office smash Demon Slayer.

The recent research also confirmed cinemas as being seen as safer than other indoor environments such as theatres and music venues, with UK venues receiving praise for their response to the pandemic last year and the subsequent implementation of wide-ranging safety measures, all put in place to protect the health and safety of audiences and staff. 93 percent of cinemagoers who returned last year would recommend the experience to others, and 99 percent were satisfied with the health and safety measures at their local cinema.

What is the first film you are planning to see at the cinema?