Open Air Screenings: A Film for Every Outdoor Experience!
Open Air Screenings have become a staple of the Chichester Film Festival, offering the chance to enjoy family or cult classics in the delightful surroundings of Priory Park!
Given the hot and sunny Summer of Culture we've had so far in 2026, it's the perfect time to enjoy watching a film under the sky in the heart of the city. Good thing the carefully curated epic selection this August provides every reason to do that… It's a line-up featuring two of the most groundbreaking films in Hollywood history, a family favourite, a romantic comedy classic and a new release that many in the audience will know the words to.
Here's whats playing this August in Priory Park—with some great reasons to catch them outdoors. Find all the details and more about booking at the Chichester International Film Festival website.
STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE (PG) — Hope and Spectacle
George Lucas's space opera cemented the revolution of New Hollywood. Blockbusters may have arrived a few years earlier, helped along by 1975's Jaws, directed by Lucass great friend and collaborator Steven Spielberg, but it was in 1977 that Star Wars broke down the walls of ticket sales and merchandising.
This year, Star Wars (as it was known before it became Episode IV—A New Hope in the sprawling Skywalker saga) kicks off the Open Air screenings. Will you be inspired to come dressed as your favourite Star Wars character?
Why should you go and see Star Wars? The space epic celebrates its 50th anniversary next year, so this is a chance to enjoy one of the great blockbuster tales of good versus evil.
Star Wars will be shown on 7 August at 19.45. Click here for tickets.
BABE (PG) - Heart and Vision
This irrepressible family favourite unbelievably celebrates its 30th anniversary next year, but the central character doesn't look a day over adorable! This is a chance for families to catch Chris Noonan's adaptation of Dick King-Smith's 1983 story, The Sheep-Pig, in the park.
There's something for parents and children to enjoy in the tale of the orphaned piglet who thinks hes a sheep dog.
Why should you go and see Babe? Sitting at an impressive 98% score on reviews aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, what better summer fare than a film known for having as much heart as impressive visual effects?
Babe will be shown on 8 August at 17.00. Click here for tickets.
PRETTY WOMAN (15) - Chemistry and Soundtrack
Garry Marshall's rom-com with an edge made Julia Roberts a star in 1990. The 21-year-old took the lead after a lengthy casting process and, as legend has it, it was her chemistry with co-lead Richard Gere that guaranteed it has, spoiler alert, a happy ending.
This screening is the perfect chance for fans new and old to enjoy some famous comic moments and, perhaps best of all, a fantastic soundtrack.
Why should you go and see Pretty Woman? Pretty Woman's legend only gets bigger with every passing year, helped massively by the tunes. Experience the music in the open air, including classics from Robert Palmer, David Bowie, Natalie Cole and of course, Roy Orbison.
Pretty Woman will be shown on 8 August at 20.00. Click here for tickets.
JURASSIC PARK (12A) - Wonder and Suspense
Steven Spielberg was already working at the top of Hollywood when he adapted Michael Crichton's sci-fi action story to set a new bar for FX blockbusters. Despite the scale, Jurassic Park's quality shines through in every scene, and this year's showing has a particular poignancy given the recent loss of Sam Neil, who plays Dr Alan Grant.
Where better to experience the infamous T-Rex encounter than in the open air?
Why should you go and see Jurassic Park? Spielberg's Dinosaur disaster movie didn't just cement digital effects in blockbusters. It remains one of the great directors greatest movies. Thrills, wonder, scares and suspense: Jurassic Park has everything.
Jurassic Park will be shown on 9 August at 16.30. Click here for tickets.
SONG SUNG BLUE (12A) - Biopic and Tunes
Heres a new release to get the feet tapping. Craig Brewer's Song Sung Blue was released earlier this year, starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson as Mike and Claire Sardina, who performed as the Neil Diamond tribute band Lightning & Thunder.
The Open Air Screening season has made it a tradition to close with a musically themed film, and Song Sung Blue combines a real-life story with the songbook of the legendary Neil Diamond. It's going to be hard not to sing along.
Why should you go and see Song Sung Blue? Perhaps you missed it when it was released earlier this year, but even if you didn't, where better to hear those Neil Diamond hits than in Priory Park?
Song Sung Blue will be shown on 9 August at 20.00. Click here for tickets.
What you need to know about Open Air Screenings
All the screenings take place in Chichester's Priory Park, and don't forget they are fully open-air. Once you've grabbed your tickets, remember to check the weather and prepare for the elements.
Drinks and snacks will be available, but you're encouraged to bring a picnic basket along with your blanket and chair for an unforgettable experience.
Find the full listings for the Open Air Screenings, proudly supported by THE GRAPHIC DESIGN HOUSE, at: https://chichestercinema.org/collection/open-air-screenings-2026/