Update On Our Plans For Reopening

Earlier this week, the Prime Minister announced that cinemas and bars can begin reopening in England from 4 July.

A few weeks ago we told our members and customers that we plan to reopen in the autumn, and in light of the continuing easing of lockdown measures which will see some larger cinemas opening in July, we want to update you on the work that is taking place at Phoenix as we move towards reopening.

The good news is that the government’s guidelines for cinemas have now been published, which gives us a framework for the measures that we need to put in place. Each venue is different – in terms of size, layout, facilities, location of washrooms etc – and this inevitably leads to individual complexities. Over the coming weeks we’ll be working hard to put in place all the measures needed – such as hand sanitising stations, simple signposting of social distancing, increased cleaning, improved ticketing procedures – to ensure that Phoenix is a safe, welcoming place for everyone.

We know that the ‘Phoenix experience’ is important, and we want to reassure you that your comfort and enjoyment are a top priority, whether you’re watching a film, enjoying a meal in our Café Bar, or attending one of our short courses. So to help us understand what will make your ‘Phoenix experience’ even better when we reopen, all our customers will be invited to complete a short survey in July – it’ll be in our weekly e-newsletter and on the website, so please look out for it and share your thoughts with us.

We’re looking forward to being able to bring you an exciting programme of the best new independent and world cinema, Stage on Screen, digital art, and learning opportunities when we reopen, and we’ll continue to work with our many partners, stakeholders and distributors to curate a diverse programme that reflects, and is relevant to, Leicester’s communities.

Autumn isn’t far away and there is much to do – from re-engaging with suppliers, who have unfortunately faced difficult times while venues and cafés have been closed, to training our fantastic staff in new ways of working. We know that it will take time to recover, but we are ready to meet the challenges ahead and can’t wait to welcome you back to Phoenix in the autumn.

Check out Phoenix at Home, our online programme offering weekly film recommendations, digital art, learning and family activities – all curated by our creative team. We also have some new online courses available, and our popular Film Camps for 7-19 year olds have moved online this summer too.

Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter, and follow us on social media to keep up to date with the latest Phoenix news.

We have special deals for MyPhoenix Members and Friends from Curzon Home Cinema, MUBI and BFI Player, and to thank all our MyPhoenix Members and Friends for your continuing support we are offering 18 months for the price of 12 to anyone who joins or renews a membership during our closure. (Visit our website for T&Cs.)

We are also extremely grateful to everyone who has donated, purchased gift vouchers, or chosen not to refund a ticket – your generous support is very much appreciated. There are a number of ways you can support us through these challenging times – please help us if you can.

Thank you.