Over 200,000 free cinema tickets available for film fans this weekend

Over 200,000 free cinema tickets are being made available this Saturday and Sunday as part of the National Lottery Cinema Weekend.

National Lottery players can claim a free pair of tickets for a showing of their choice at one of the over 500 participating cinemas in the UK, including Cineworld, Odeon, Vue, other chains and independent cinemas.

Those wanting to get their hands on the tickets can use any National Lottery ticket, instant win game or scratchcard bought online or in retail (T&Cs apply) to claim them.

Read more: The most exciting movies coming to UK cinemas in 2021

There's a variety of films available to watch this weekend including Disney's villain origin story Cruella, stage musical-turned-movie In The Heights as well as independent films like After Love.

Tickets can be claimed at www.cinemaweekend.co.uk.

Edith Bowman, broadcaster and spokesperson for the campaign, said: “As someone who loves the experience of watching films with other people, I’ve missed going to the cinema massively over this past year.

"Once the lights go down and the film starts playing on the big screen, everything else fades and you’re immersed into the beautiful world of that particular story, the filmmaker’s vision, the characters, the music – the communal experience is escapism in its purest form and provokes such wonderful conversation.

"I’m so excited about this amazing initiative from The National Lottery and the BFI and really hope film fans across the UK embrace this wonderful opportunity to support their local cinema.”

Ben Roberts, Chief Executive at the BFI, said: “Thanks to the generosity of National Lottery players we’re able to support bold filmmakers, film education and training, the cinemas that mean so much to local communities, and enable UK audiences to see a wide range of films.

Read more: Quiz! Can you match the movie to its real life location?

"Over the past year so many of us have missed that special communal experience of watching film on the big screen, so what better way to say ‘thank you’ than a free trip to the cinema! ”

Players of all National Lottery games must be aged 18 or over.

Watch: Peter Rabbit delivers cinemas bounce as UK screens reopen