Cineworld has announced plans to reopen its cinema in Sheffield and other cities across the UK in May after being closed for seven months. 

Last year the company was forced to close 660 branches worldwide due to the global pandemic. Cineworld is now monitoring the UK roadmap and will expect visitors to follow the government’s guidelines.  

Chief executive officer of Cineworld, Mooky Greidinger,, said: “With the health and safety of our customers, staff, and communities as our top priority, we continue to take all the necessary precautions and abide by our CinemaSafe guidelines to confidently provide a safe and comfortable experience.

“We will also be monitoring developments closely in the U.K. and across Europe as we set to gradually reopen across the world in line with local government guidance.”

Cineworld is the world’s second biggest cinema chain with 45,000 employees and 790 branches globally, 127 of which are located in the UK. 

Other cinema companies in Sheffield might not be opening at the same time as Cineworld. One of Sheffield’s popular movie theaters, Curzon, on George Street, is still unsure about the date of their venue reopening.

A spokesperson from Curzon Sheffield told ShefLive: “We don’t have confirmed reopening dates yet, we hope it will be May but this will depend on Government guidelines and updates.” 

Even though reopening of cinemas is still months away, people in Sheffield and nearby areas are looking forward to being able to visit movie theatres after a year of being home. 

Ryan Bostock, 19, Accounts Apprentice, Doncaster, said: “I will definitely be going to cinemas when they reopen because it is different to how I spent most of my free time now

“It is something that everyone is able to enjoy, unlike some other activities, and I definitely enjoy going to the cinema with my friends.”