Open air cinema comes to Old College Quad

JAWS, The Jungle Book and Deadpool, just three of 12 blockbusters set to bring action and adventure to Old College Quad, on South Bridge, this weekend.

Classic films add cinema sparkle to Old College quad this weekend

From Friday, the University of Edinburgh hosts Film In Old College Quad, a three day open-air programme of classic movies, with one or two modern favourites thrown in for good measure.

Highlights including the spy thriller Kingsman: The Secret Service, David Bowie’s musical fantasy Labyrinth, and the all-American action thriller Die Hard.

Lorna Brain, University of Edinburgh Festivals Manager, explains, “We are delighted to welcome the public into our historic Old College Quad for these unique cinema screenings.

“Old College is one of the University’s most iconic buildings and we hold a number of public events in the quad throughout the year, but these film screenings give people the chance to enjoy the space in a different way.”

The season opens on Friday with Jaws, followed by a late night screening of Christopher Nolan’s 2010 science-fiction heist thriller Inception, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

On Saturday, the first of two free and unticketed family screenings finds David Bowie starring in Jim Henson’s Labyrinth, while on Sunday there is a chance to see Jon Favreau’s live-action remake of Disney favourite The Jungle Book.

“This is the third time we have hosted Film in the Old College Quad,”says Lorna.

“We had previously held them during the festival, which were a great success.

“By holding them later this year, we hope to welcome students, as well as the wider public to enjoy some great films in an unusual setting.

Other family screenings include the much-loved animations Inside Out ­and Home, while for teenagers, there is high school comedy Pitch Perfect 2.

Kingsman: The Secret Service and sci-fi horror Aliens complete Saturday’s programme.

On Sunday, movie fans will be reunited with Bruce Willis in Die Hard, as well as seeing the critically acclaimed Coen Brothers Grammy-winning O Brother, Where Art Thou?.

Finally, Deadpool, Marvel’s unconventional super-hero, brings the programme to a close.

Laura adds, “We selected films we hope will appeal to people of all ages and tastes.”

Before each screening, short films by students from Edinburgh College of Art will be screened, showcasing the talent of the future.

So pack a picnic, grab a blanket and head to the quad for some al fresco movie magic, this weekend.

“It looks like the weather will hold out too, and we are thrilled about it,” says Lorna.

Tickets for all screenings are £10, with the exception of Jaws which is £12, and are available now www.ed.ac.uk/festivals.

[email protected]