THE reopening of Salisbury's Odeon cinema has been delayed but a new date has yet to be announced.

The cinema in New Canal was due to open its doors on Monday (July 13).

Salisbury manager Lewis Turner on the Odeon website said: "This Odeon remains closed for now. We are making lots of changes at our cinemas to create a new safer cinema experience for you, and we hope to confirm a reopening date soon."

A spokesperson for the cinema chain said the reopening of the Salisbury site, along with its other cinemas, would be phased over July and August due to changes in the timings of the summer blockbuster films. 

An Odeon spokesperson said: “We are pleased to be welcoming guests back to selected cinemas across the UK, and we continue to receive positive feedback from cinemagoers on their experience and the additional safety measures we have put in place. 

"Our next phase of reopening will continue to take place from this Friday. However, in light of changes in the timing of this summer’s big blockbusters, the reopening dates scheduled for the rest of our cinemas across July, including Odeon Salisbury, will now be phased over July and August.”

Odeon started reopening some of its cinemas last Saturday with safety measures introduced, including social distancing in auditoriums and foyers, as well as more frequent and through cleaning.

It also says it will be limiting the number of seats for sale for each film and is guaranteeing unoccupied seats between parties to meet social distancing requirements.

It will also stagger show start times to reduce queues and will be operating safe queuing measures with floor markings.

There will be contactless ticket checks and till payments for purchasing food and drinks, which will be pre-packaged. And staff will wear PPE, including face coverings and gloves.

However, for film fans there is another option. A new drive-in cinema has launched for the summer at Southern Counties Auctioneers in Netherhampton Road.

It has been brought to the city by German Events Limited, the company behind Bristol’s annual Christmas Market and a number of Mojito Beach Bar events across the UK.

The Drive-In Cinema will also be screening classic movies such as Grease, Dirty Dancing, Jurassic Park and Back to the Future as well as recent releases including Rocket Man and Joker.

To view the full movie schedule and book tickets click here.