Historic England x The Village Screen: Hidden Cinema

Whether you need to hide from the heatwave or seek shelter far from the showers, cinemas can offer more respite than it might seem across the summer holidays. But the comfort of a dark room can soon grow tiresome – and Historic England understands this. Enter Hidden Cinema.

For the first time, Historic England is teaming up with The Village Screen to host film screenings with a twist, celebrating the collective experience we flock to cinemas for, while championing unconventional spaces that form the fabric of our national heritage at the same time.

As part of Historic England's Loss and Destruction season, looking at the importance of preserving our shared history, crucial films from the past few years will be screened in recently rescued Victorian buildings, allowing for an astonishing visual experience, both onscreen and off.


The Oxford House chapel

London-based guests will enjoy screenings in the Grade II listed Oxford House in Bethnal Green. The building, built in 1892, is now used as a community arts centre and boasts Gothic and Neo-Jacobean features. When attending the film screenings, guests will also have the option to take a guided visit of the incomparable surroundings.

Settle in for showings of Dumbo, The Greatest Showman and even Moana this August, in a setting like no other. Plus, the rooms hosting screenings of family films will be decorated on a seaside themes with deckchairs, popcorn and more.

Londoners are spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor and immersive film screenings, but seldom is the cinemagoer offered the chance to reckon with their historical impact when escaping to another fictional world at the same time.

On the upcoming experience, Duncan Wilson, Historic England's Chief Executive said: 'England is home to an incredible range of distinctive buildings, and we want everyone to enjoy the historic environment on their doorsteps'.

Bring the whole family along for a marvellous experience full of art in all corners of the room – whether you're watching the film or enjoying everything else there is to see.