The majority of UK cinemas will close in light of the Queen's state funeral on Monday, but a select few are opening their doors to screen the proceedings for free. Many major supermarket chains, hardware stores and high street shops have confirmed they are remaining closed for Bank Holiday Monday, in order to honour the late monarch and allow their staff to pay their respects.
Yet around 150 sites across the UK have all announced plans to screen the Queen's funeral at their cinemas free of charge, giving the public the chance to mourn collectively. Vue, Curzon and Arc are all screening the proceedings, but the UK's largest cinema chains, Odeon and Cineworld, are closing for the whole day of September 19.
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Vue has announced that its normal programming will be cancelled on Monday, but it will be showing the state funeral at select venues from 10am.
"Seats will be free of charge and our retail offering on this day will be limited to complimentary bottled water during the broadcast, with no other snacks or drinks available for purchase," the cinema chain said in a statement.
"In addition, we will also screen the London Procession in the majority of our UK venues on Wednesday, 14 September, live from 1:30pm. On this day all other screens will be open showing film content as normal.
Arc Cinema released a similar statement on Twitter, but warned prospective customers that booking tickets ahead is essential.
"We have to decided to screen Her Majesty The Queen’s State Funeral on Bank Holiday Monday 19th September at 11am.
"This is a free event but pre-booking your seat is essential. There will be no other shows taking place while the funeral is broadcast".
Other cinemas across the country plan to follow suit, including Reel Cinemas, Picturedome and Savoy.
Meanwhile, Picturehouse, Showcase and The Light will keep their doors closed on Monday, alongside major chains Odeon and Cineworld.
Commenting on its decision to close, a spokesperson for Odeon chain said: “As a mark of respect for Queen Elizabeth II all Odeon cinemas in the UK & Northern Ireland will be closed on Monday 19th September. We will re-open again on Tuesday 20th September.”
Cineworld, which owns Picturehouse, is also closing its doors, with a spokesperson detailing: "Out of respect to HM Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family, all of our UK cinemas will be closed on Monday September 19, the day of the state funeral.
"Those who have made bookings for this day will be contacted shortly.”
Despite the bank holiday, retailers, businesses and other venues have no obligation to remain closed - even during a national period of mourning.
Government guidance states: " There is no obligation on organisations to suspend business during the National Mourning period.
"Some businesses may wish to consider closing or postponing events, especially on the day of the State Funeral, however this is at the discretion of individual businesses".
Outside of cinema screens, some large pub chains have also made the call to stay open on Monday, showing the funeral on screens where possible.
A spokesperson for Stonegate Group, which runs more than 4,500 pubs around the country, told The Caterer : "The passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is a momentous and sombre occasion.
"We send our deepest condolences to the Royal Family at this sad time. Our managed pubs, bars and venues remain open and, where possible, will show the funeral on Monday 19 September to honour her life and service."
You can leave your tributes to Queen Elizabeth II here.
