FILM buffs will be able to get back to the flicks in Southend from the middle of next month.

Odeon have confirmed they will re-open their cinema in The Broadway from July 16 after the Government gave them the green light following the lifting of coronavirus restrictions.

A variety of new safety measures have been put in place to limit the spread of coronavirus and ensure safe social distancing.

>> Thunderstorms on the way after heatwave sees Essex bask in 29C

Seat sales will be limited and empty seats will be maintained between different groups.

Show times are also being staggered to limit queues, with people asked to pre-book their seats in advance to avoid waiting.

Echo: Staying safe - staff will be wearing visorsStaying safe - staff will be wearing visors

Some pre-packaged food will still be available but customers will be unable to use cash.

These safety measures include: 

Safer Buying

Contactless experience, including booking online and contactless ticket checks in cinema and contactless till payments for purchasing food and drinks

Range of ‘Grab & Go’ pre-packaged food and drinks including a bottled drink, Butterkist popcorn and a bag of sweets to improve speed of service

A Safer Space

-          Limited seats on sale for each show and guaranteed unoccupied seats between guests to meet social distancing requirements, whilst enabling family groups and social bubbles to sit together

-          Staggered show start times to reduce queues, with safe queuing measures in place such as floor markings and cinema host support

-          Newly serviced air conditioning that ensures fresh air is delivered into all screens

Echo: Screens - things will look a little different as you payScreens - things will look a little different as you pay

Enhanced cleaning by well-trained teams

More frequent cleaning routines on all high contact areas of the cinema guest journey

Guest sanitiser stations offering complimentary sanitising gels and wipes

Teams diligently trained on safety and hygiene measures, equipped with PPE, including face coverings and gloves