Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a stringent return to the March style lockdown for the nation this evening after the initial news was leaked to The Times newspaper late last night, and this new lockdown includes the closure of cinemas across England.
The breaking news conference was delayed not once, but twice throughout the day as measures were confirmed internally and the cabinet held meetings.
Under the current guidance, all leisure and entertainment venues will close and not reopen on Thursday 5th November, until December 2nd.
This is yet again another blow to the damaged cinema industry who have only just finished the back of a fantastic box office week, with last weekend seeing growth of more than 40% from the week before.
The only saving grace for exhibitor staff is the surprise extension to the 80% furlough scheme that was due to end October 31st.
England’s cinemas have been ordered to close
Credit: Empire Cinemas
Read more: These Are The 10 Best Action Movies Of All Time – Ranked
What this means for the future of releases as Germany and France also have announced lockdown measures is unknown.
The UK was due to receive Peter Rabbit at the beginning of December along with the Fox release, Death On The Nile on December 18th, before Wonder Woman 1984 comes out Christmas Day.
Whether England will come back out of its lockdown at that point, it’s too early to tell, but with nations seemingly gaining more support for lockdown measures it’s highly likely we’ll see more delays to an already decimated industry.
Variety reports that TV & Film production will continue to go ahead “under strict Covid procedures”.
What do you make of this news?
Are you worried about the future of cinemas not only in the UK but also across the globe?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
What do you make of this story? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook or Instagram pages!
And if you enjoy listening to film podcasts, why not check out our podcasts, Small Screen Stories and Small Screen Film Club wherever you get your podcasts!
[…] Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a stringent return to the March style lockdown for the nation this evening after the initial news was leaked to The Times newspaper late last night, and this new lockdown includes the closure of cinemas across England. The breaking news conference was delayed not once, but twice throughout the day as measures were confirmed internally and the cabinet held meetings. Under the current guidance, all leisure and entertainment venues will close and… Boris Johnson Orders England’s Cinemas To Close Under Second Lockdown | Small Screen […]
[…] Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a stringent return to the March style lockdown for the nation this evening after the initial news was leaked to The Times newspaper late last night, and this new lockdown includes the closure of cinemas across England. The breaking news conference was delayed not once, but twice throughout the day as measures were confirmed internally and the cabinet held meetings. Under the current guidance, all leisure and entertainment venues will close and… Boris Johnson Orders England’s Cinemas To Close Under Second Lockdown | Small Screen […]
[…] Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a stringent return to the March style lockdown for the nation this evening after the initial news was leaked to The Times newspaper late last night, and this new lockdown includes the closure of cinemas across England. The breaking news conference was delayed not once, but twice throughout the day as measures were confirmed internally and the cabinet held meetings. Under the current guidance, all leisure and entertainment venues will close and… Boris Johnson Orders England’s Cinemas To Close Under Second Lockdown | Small Screen […]