A number of cinema chains are ramping up plans to start showing films from July, as parts of the UK slowly comes out of lockdown.

Companies including Cineworld, Odeon, Showcase Cinemas and Vue are among many preparing behind the scenes to reopen their doors to movie fans across England, Scotland and Wales in time for a string of summer blockbusters.

Here is what you need to know.

Wirral Globe:

What are Cineworld doing?

Cineworld hopes to start showing films in all its cinemas in July.

Bosses said that its cinemas up and down the country would open when restrictions are lifted.

“Cineworld currently anticipates that Government restrictions related to cinemas will be lifted in each of its territories by July. Subject to this and confirmation of the schedule for film releases, Cineworld anticipates the reopening of all of its cinemas in July,” the cinema giant said in a statement to investors on Thursday.

“Cineworld has put in place procedures to ensure a safe and enjoyable cinema experience for its employees and customers.”

Cineworld, as always, greatly believes in the theatrical experience and is fully committed to be the best place to watch a movie.

It promised to be “the best place to watch a movie” even as social distancing measures are likely to hugely change the experience of going to the cinema.

Bosses at the cinema chain said: “Cineworld is excited by the great movie line-up to follow the reopening of cinemas, starting with the highly anticipated new Chris Nolan movie Tenet and immediately after that with Mulan, a new Disney adventure movie.

“Cineworld, as always, greatly believes in the theatrical experience and is fully committed to be the best place to watch a movie.”

Bosses also said they had managed to secure another 110 million US dollars (£90 million) through increasing the amount it is able to borrow from its banks.

It has also been approved for an additional potential 45 million dollars (£37 million) in Government-backed coronavirus large business interruption loans.

The new funding gives the company enough headroom to support the chain even if cinemas have to stay closed until the end of the year, managers said.

Wirral Globe: Odeon. Picture: PA WireOdeon. Picture: PA Wire

What are Odeon doing?

The company have yet to published a formal statement confirming when they plan to reopen.

But, in a tweet on May 14, an Odeon spokeswoman said: "We are closely following government guidelines. Keep an eye on our website for any future updates."

Odeon customers have been told that all gift cards will be extended for the period the chain are closed for.

Wirral Globe:

What have Vue said?

The boss of Vue also believes their cinemas could reopen by mid-July.

Tim Richards, chief executive of the Vue Cinemas chain, said he is “hopeful” that cinemas can be open in time for the release date of Nolan’s new film, Tenet, on July 17.

He told the BBC at the start of May that the company is working with the Government on ways the industry can operate while ensuring social distancing.

“What we are trying to do is work with the Government to demonstrate that we are not like sporting fixtures or music concerts,” Mr Richards said.

“We can actually control how many people go into our cinema at any given time. We have the ability to schedule our films separately and we have the ability to control entrances and exits for customers.

“We have operating systems in place today which allow social distancing and cocooning within the cinema for couples, individuals or families who want to watch a movie.”

The chain added it has learned significantly from the impact of the Sars outbreak on its Taiwanese operations between 2002 and 2004.

Mr Richards said the chain is prepared for “every possible eventuality, ranging from social distancing to restricted access”.

Wirral Globe:

What have Showcase Cinemas said?

On May 15, Showcase Cinemas have unveiled a plan to reopen their screens in time for a string of summer blockbusters.

The cinema chain - which has branches across the UK, including: Glasgow, Leeds, Coventry, Leicester, Liverpool, Nottingham, Paisley, Reading, Southampton, Teesside, Dudley and Manchester - hope to return on July 4, subject to Government guidance.

Mark Barlow, general manager at Showcase Cinemas UK, said: “Since the lockdown started, we have been working on what measures will be implemented when we are allowed to reopen, for the comfort and safety of guests and employees alike.

"We have also been liaising throughout with the UK Cinema Association and the relevant authorities and will continue to do so until such time as we reopen, based on the latest government guidance.

"It is clearly dependent on many factors, but the most recent announcement from the government gave a proposed date of July 4 for leisure destinations that can implement social distancing and other safety measures to reopen, and this is what we are currently working towards. 

"These measures include being able to restrict capacities per auditorium to maintain social distancing requirements, as well as staggered film start times on a reduced schedule, online bookings, contactless payments throughout, Perspex shields at all till points, and wipes and hand sanitiser stations located throughout our buildings.

"We have also designed a comprehensive new cleaning programme and employee PPE requirements to ensure that our number one priority – the health and safety of everyone in our cinemas – is achieved. 

"Watching a film on the big screen is one of Britain’s biggest passions and we’re really excited that we will be able to welcome film fans back to our cinemas very soon.”

Wirral Globe:

What have Empire Cinemas said?

The chain haven't revealed their plans for reopening yet.

In a statement on May 14, Empire Cinemas said: "We might not be able to show you the magic of the movies with you right now, but we are working to ensure that when we can, a visit to your local Empire Cinema will be as enjoyable as always whilst adhering to social distancing guidelines to keep you and our teams safe."

Wirral Globe:

Are there any details from Everyman Cinemas?

The chain, which has 35 branches across England, Wales and Scotland, hasn't posted an update regarding their opening plans.

In a statement on their website, posted in March, it read: "We are sorry to let you know that following the government's advice in the wake of coronavirus, our venues will be closed until further notice.

"We want everyone to be safe and healthy so we act as soon as we think that temporary closure is necessary.

"The safety and well-being of our customers, our members and our staff is of utmost importance at Everyman as we continue our efforts to minimise the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus)."