Families in Washington, Tyne and Wear, can enjoy free autism-friendly and relaxed cinema screenings at Arts Centre Washington in February 2026. Sunderland Culture’s Arts Centre Washington is hosting these events to provide a comfortable space for autistic children, young people and adults who might find regular cinema trips difficult.
The centre will show Dog Man on Saturday 7 February 2026, followed by Inside Out 2 on Saturday 21 February 2026. These “relaxed” screenings are adapted from standard sessions: the lights are kept on at a low level, the volume is reduced, and films start without trailers to avoid long wait times.
The UK Cinema Association’s guidance on autism-friendly screenings explains that audiences are free to move around, make noise or even dance in the aisles during relaxed showings. Both Arts Centre Washington events are listed as free to attend on Sunderland Culture’s events pages, removing the financial barrier for local families.
The venue has also recently upgraded its facilities to improve accessibility. The centre previously received a substantial grant package (reported as around £250,000) for building improvements and has received additional support via Theatres Trust small grants. Verified works include a full resurfacing of the courtyard to improve wheelchair and pushchair access, the installation of automatic doors and handrails, and other accessibility measures. For planning visits, the centre publishes social stories and walkthrough videos on its site, and AccessAble offers a detailed access guide with photos and step-by-step information to help visitors plan the route from the car park to their seats.
For dates and tickets, see Arts Centre Washington’s listings on Sunderland Culture’s website.
