Cineworld announces re-opening date in Milton Keynes

The announcement comes after all of the chain's screens have lain dormant for months during the coronavirus crisis.

But now the opening date has been fixed for Friday July 10 - just 16 days from now.

"We know how much you’ve been missing the cinema and we are thrilled to be back," Cineworld bosses said.

"With great films ahead, including Mulan, Tenet, A Quiet Place Part II, No Time To Die, and many more, we can’t wait to welcome you back, they added."

As expected, it won't quite be business as usual when the cinema re-opens, and social distancing measures will be in place across all of their sites.

The health and wellbeing of our customers and employees is our top priority," say Cineworld.

However, while the company strikes a confident tone with its announcement, it does note that cinemas will only reopen, "subject to final clarifications and confirmation in regards to UK government restrictions".

"We are following government guidelines in order to make cinemagoers feel as comfortable and provide a safe but enjoyable cinema experience."

Tickets will be available to book in advance on our website and via the Cineworld app, available on iOS and Android. Confirmation emails can be used as tickets, and e-tickets are available on the app.

The booking system has also been updated to allow friends and family to sit together while ensuring a safe distance between customers from different households in screens.

Film start and end times will be staggered to reduce customers cross paths with other customers going in or out of other screens and buildup of crowds in the foyer; additional cleaning time will be added between films.

Plastic screens will be installed at concessions areas where safe distancing cannot be maintained, and Cineworld will implement an advanced cleaning programme designed to clean and sanitise the "high touch points" within each cinema.

Hand sanitiser stations will be provided in all cinemas for customers and employees.

When will cinemas open in other parts of the UK?

As the four devolved nations of the UK lift and impose lockdown measures differently, Cineworld have had to alter their plans in these areas accordingly.

The chain says planned reopening dates for its cinemas in cinemas in Scotland, Wales and Ireland will "follow."

"The opening dates are subject to final clarifications and confirmation in regards to various government restrictions in some of our territories.

Odeon cinema in MK1 has not yet announced an opening date, but a statement on its website says: "We look forward to welcoming you back soon."