Watford Borough Council is bringing back its Big Screen programme this August with 38 free outdoor film screenings across two locations. The screenings begin at Pondside in the town centre from 3 to 9 August, then move to Woodside Playing Fields from 10 to 16 August.
Most days will feature three films at 1pm, 4pm and 7pm, with event areas open from midday until 10pm. No booking is required and visitors can simply turn up with picnics, deckchairs and small shelters. Elected Mayor Peter Taylor said the Big Screen is a brilliant way for families and friends to spend time together and enjoy some fantastic films without having to spend anything.
The programme features family films, animated adventures, musicals, comedies, dramas and blockbusters. Pondside screenings include Lilo and Stitch, Smurfs and Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon. Over at Woodside, films include Migration, The Boss Baby 2: Family Business and Jurassic World: Rebirth. The council has run the Big Screen annually since at least 2022, though the second venue has moved. In 2025 the second week was at Knutsford Playing Fields, but this year it moves to Woodside Playing Fields.
Pondside will not have on-site traders because of limited space, so visitors are encouraged to use nearby town centre cafés and restaurants. Woodside Playing Fields will host traders and small funfair rides for younger visitors. Screenings will only be cancelled if weather conditions make it unsafe to continue. Full listings and times are available online; see the Watford Borough Council announcement for details.
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