Richmond Park to host outdoor cinema event

The open space will soon be playing host to a three-night mini season of nostalgic adventure in the form of three film screenings - and topping the bill is Steven Spielberg’s best-loved movie E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial.

The screening is being put on by The Nomad - a roaming pop-up cinema experience - on September 1.

Organisers say: "There are so many great scenes and sequences, such inspirational music and effects, so many great ideas (leading to so many merchandising opportunities), so much heart, charm and love in the film, it’s easy to forget that this 'wimpy Disney movie' is also quite a dark look at childhood, families and 'the suburban ideal'.

"Come relive it yourself, or introduce a new generation to E.T."

The classic family film, which was picked up by MCA after Columbia Pictures reportedly branded it a "wimpy Disney movie" and knocked it back, was described by legendary film critic Roger Ebert after it's release in 1982 as "a reminder of what movies are for".

He said: "Most movies are not for any one thing, of course. Some are to make us think, some to make us feel, some to take us away from our problems, some to help us examine them.

"What is enchanting about E.T. is that, in some measure, it does all of those things."

And in addition to the classic family film, visitors will also be given the chance to see Harrison Ford in Raiders of the Lost Ark on August 31 and Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn star in the legendary John Huston’s African Queen on September 2. The screen will be located at Roehampton Gate.

Twenty Nomad events are planned to take place in London’s Royal Parks this year - and for each outdoor screening organisers advise visitors bring a blanket or low chair to sit on, and something warm to wear for after sunset.

Screenings in Richmond Park begin at 8pm - doors at 6.30pm - and tickets cost £12.50.

For more information visit whereisthenomad.com/venues/london-richmond-park-richmond-surrey.