As the temperature begins to rise , all manner of outside activities previously out of the question suddenly become a
possibility. Rather than suddenly take up cricket, tennis, running or anything requiring too much physical activity, I have decided this summer to get outside in the fresh air as much as possible, and sit.

One activity that is perfect for this kind of seated entertainment is the large array of outdoor film screenings popping up all over London in the summer months. Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House July 30th – August 8th is probably the most well known and over the ten-day programme this year, the organisers have teamed up with Bafta to present a ‘Behind the Screen’ series of interviews with some of the film makers whose films are being shown, including Pedro Almodóvar (‘Broken Embraces’) and editor Chris Dickens (‘Slumdog Millionaire’). Syon House is hosting ‘Cinema under the Stars’ from 22 – 25 July and will be showing a series of  ‘favourites’ including Goldfinger, Grease and Mamma Mia.

On a slightly more cultural tip I’m looking forward to avoiding the extortionate (and apparently recession proof..) prices of the Royal Opera House Covent Garden and seeing the productions for free on big screens around the UK via the BP Big Screens. The ballet Ondine, as well as the operas La Traviata and The Barber of Seville are already on the bill and you can find your nearest big screen on their website. Finally, if “a cornucopia of inventively homespun entertainment and culturally enriching experiences” is more your thing, the Britannia pub in Victoria Park is playing host to the BFI every Thursday who will be putting on free showings of films such as Quadrophenia and The Third Man.