Remember when going to the cinema was simple and fun? After getting your tickets, you’d buy a huge bucket of fresh popcorn to go with your delicious hot dog and perfectly cold soda. After managing to carry all of your tasty food selections, you’d settle into a nice, oversized clean seat with a great view of the screen, ready to spend the next few hours immersed in another world. Doesn’t quite sound like the last time you went to the cinema? Maybe your popcorn was a few days old or your narrow seat had chewing gum on the arm rest? Well, you’re not alone. A few years ago, a few north Londoners found themselves fantasising about a genuinely relaxing and fun cinema experience and decided to create one for themselves. Backyard Cinema was born: fun and spacious outdoor settings featuring
a big screen surrounded by comfy deck chairs and bean bags. Instead of stale food stand offerings, the team behind Backyard Cinema provides food straight from the BBQ along with freshly made popcorn. Rather than a cup of ice and a bit of soda, their bar is stocked with wine, beer and cocktails. 
Their next event is a mini-movie festival taking place July 20-21 under the arches of the London Fields Brewery in Hackeny. Films include The Big Lebowski, The Hobbit, and Life of Pi. Films continue through the summer at Camden Market, where Backyard Cinema has set up a screening area next to the Regents Canal and a stone’s throw from the famous street stalls serving up worldwide cuisines. Almost Famous, Evil Dead 2, and Stand By Me are some of the titles they’ll be showing until the end of August. (Words: Barbara Cole) For more information visit www.backyardcinema.co.uk
