6 WAYS TO CUT THE COST OF YOUR CINEMA TRIP

Whether you’re doing Dry January and looking for a sober night out with the girls, planning a romantic Valentine’s Day treat with your partner or looking to entertain the kids during the long winter months, you can’t beat a trip to the flicks. UK movie ticket sales grew 70% in 2021 and it’s one of our most popular leisure pastimes, with 9.27 million tickets sold in August 2022 alone.

But with extras such as 3D screenings, expensive drinks and snacks, and premium seats bumping up the cost, is it still an affordable activity during the current cost-of-living crisis?

Despite the range of films available at home via our smart TVs or tablets, there’s still something special about watching the latest Hollywood release on the big screen. From a sharper, clearer picture and super high-quality sound to seeing the latest must-see blockbuster before everyone else (with no distractions from beeping phones!), there’s lots to enjoy!

To help you enjoy all the fun of the cinema without feeling ripped off, follow our 6 money-saving tips.

1. Avoid the weekend

Ticket prices peak at the weekend so reduce the cost of admission by going on a weekday. Check online with individual cinema chains as some offer even better deals for selected days and times only. Monday afternoon is traditionally a quieter and therefore cheaper time.

2. Check your phone or broadband contract

Many mobile phone and broadband companies offer 2-4-1 or discounted cinema tickets as a customer reward – O2, Vodafone, Three and Virgin Media, for example. Check with your provider to see if you qualify. And if you’ve bought a product through www.comparethemarket.com, don’t forget to take advantage of Meerkat Movies. They offer 2-4-1 cinema tickets on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Odeon, Vue, Cineworld and others.

3. Get up early

If you’re taking the family, save a small fortune by setting your alarm for the early kids’ showings. Vue’s ‘Mini Mornings’ take place every Saturday and Sunday, plus every day in the school holidays, showing classic and new family-friendly releases for just £2.49 a ticket for adults and children.

4. BYO snacks

Yes, we know that cinema popcorn just hits different, but £6+ for a large bucket? £5 for a coke? Slash the cost of your movie trip by popping to the supermarket on the way for some low-cost (but still tasty) own-brand treats!

5. Browse discount sites

Groupon runs regular deals on tickets at most of the major cinema chains. Check their website for offers and discount codes before buying direct and take a look at www.vouchercodes.co.uk too. For January, Groupon is running offers at Vue and Odeon for up to 40% off the standard ticket price.

6. Be a savvy shopper

Convert your Tesco Clubcard points into cinema vouchers and get three times the value! Or sign up for the Lidl Plus app for up to 40% off cinema tickets at chains including Odeon and Vue. Check the small print or download the app of whatever supermarket loyalty scheme you’re signed up to, to make sure you’re not missing the best deals.