Event details

Join us at Elmer Square for our annual Big Screen Summer Cinema!

This year's programme has been selected in response to The Reading Agency annual summer reading challenge. A collaboration with Universal Music Group UK,Read to the Beat! will harness the universal appeal of music to tackle the decline in children's reading enjoyment and inspire a new generation of readers in the UK.

The outdoor screenings take place on 25 July, 1 August, 8 August and 15 August at 3pm - free, no booking necessary.

25 July: Wicked (2024)

Misunderstood because of her green skin, a young woman named Elphaba forges an unlikely but profound friendship with Glinda, a student with an unflinching desire for popularity. Following an encounter with The Wizard of Oz, their relationship soon reaches a crossroad as their lives begin to take very different paths.

1 August: Coco (2017)

Despite his family's generations-old ban on music, young Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead. After meeting a charming trickster named Héctor, the two new friends embark on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history.

8 August: Matilda the Musical (2022)

Matilda lives with her brother and parents, who are unappreciative of her. She utilises her telekinetic abilities to settle the score after her principal brutally tortures her with the help of her kind-hearted teacher.

15 August: Sing (2016)

Dapper Koala Buster Moon presides over a once-grand theater that has fallen on hard times. An eternal optimist, and a bit of a scoundrel, he loves his theater above all and will do anything to preserve it. Facing the crumbling of his life's ambition, he takes one final chance to restore his fading jewel to its former glory by producing the world's greatest singing competition. Five contestants emerge: a mouse, a timid elephant, a pig, a gorilla and a punk-rock porcupine.



Early arrival is advised to find yourself a comfortable area to sit, to avoid disappointment as we will be operating a first come, first served policy. Bring your own chair or blanket to sit on the pavement or grass, respectively. Extra bins will be available, and toilets and water fountains are located inside The Forum building.

Please note that event photography may take place during this screening for the purpose of promoting future events and offers in Southend. If you do not wish to be photographed, please make an event steward or member of staff aware.


Big Screen Southend is located outside of The Forum Southend-on-Sea in Elmer Square. For the exact location, please see here.

If you have any access issues or general questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch at [email protected]