**Welsh Summer to Shine with Series of Drive-In and Open-Air Cinemas Across Seven Locations**
This summer, film enthusiasts in Wales will have a chance to enjoy cinema under the stars as Wonder Cinema brings a lively calendar of drive-in and outdoor screenings to seven locations across the country. The initiative, running from June through August, promises an engaging mix of beloved classics, interactive entertainment, and local community festivities.
Locations set to feature these open-air events include Blaenavon, Bridgend, Blackwood, Newport, Ebbw Vale, and Neath. Each venue will offer a varied experience: some will operate as traditional drive-in cinemas where audiences enjoy films from the comfort of their vehicles, while others will set up open-air screenings to make the most of the summer evenings.
Organisers are also adding a distinctive touch to the programme with a blend of live entertainment before or after the films. Attendees can look forward to singing performances, fire shows, and interactive games. Food and drink will be available to purchase onsite, with a focus on supporting local businesses. For families or those feeling nostalgic, there will be popcorn, candy floss, and even face painting.
The schedule boasts a strong line-up of crowd-pleasers and cult favourites. Among the top picks are “The Greatest Showman,” “Mamma Mia!,” “Top Gun,” “Back to the Future,” “Pretty Woman,” and “Dirty Dancing.” Welsh film fans will appreciate screenings of local favourite “Twin Town,” and for television lovers, there’s a special showing of the famous “Only Fools and Horses: Miami Twice” episodes.
The season launches on 19 June at Blaenavon Heritage Railway with a drive-in screening of “Mamma Mia!” accompanied by an interactive game. The following evening brings “Top Gun” to the same historic setting. The drive-in experience heads to Bridgend’s Llangewydd Arms on 22 June with the time-travelling classic “Back to the Future,” followed by the romantic hit “Pretty Woman” on 23 June.
Bridgend will also stage screenings of “Only Fools and Horses: Miami Twice” and “Twin Town” in July, while variety continues throughout the programme. Highlights include an outdoor showing of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” at Blaenavon Heritage Railway on 30 July, and family-friendly fun like a “Wallace and Gromit” marathon at Blackwood Rugby Club on 3 August.
In August, Dragons RFC in Newport becomes the centre of the action, hosting singalong showings of “Mamma Mia!” and “Dirty Dancing.” Meanwhile, Ebbw Vale RFC will present “Grease” and other musicals, ensuring there’s something to tempt every type of filmgoer. Neath RFC is also set to join in, rounding out the month with energetic performances alongside screenings of “Wicked” and “The Greatest Showman.”
Each event endeavours to create more than just a movie night. Wonder Cinema’s approach focuses on fostering local connections—many of the food and drink stalls are supplied by Welsh vendors, and the pre-film entertainment is tailored to suit both adults and families. The incorporation of live acts adds a festival atmosphere, distinguishing these events from standard cinema experiences.
Despite the wide range of venues and dates, bookings are anticipated to move quickly, with the popularity of both the films and the event format. Organisers recommend securing tickets in advance through the Wonder Cinema website, where full listings, times, and booking details are readily available.
In what is likely to be a highlight of the Welsh summer calendar, these events offer communities and cinema lovers alike a chance to reconnect, celebrate, and enjoy cult classics in the great outdoors. With the combination of timeless films, lively entertainment, and local fare, Wonder Cinema is set to provide some truly memorable evenings across Wales.
For amateur film buffs, families seeking a night out, or anyone in search of a nostalgic escape, the Wonder Cinema experience promises an uplifting outing not to be missed. As ever, those interested can find further information and secure seats by heading directly to the Wonder Cinema website.