Open-Air Cinema FAQs – Thornton Viaduct
Useful information about our Open-Air Cinema screening at Thornton Viaduct.
Bradford 2025 and Wild Rumpus are teaming up for a series of not-to-be-missed immersive cinema experiences in iconic Bradford locations, including Ilkley Lido and Thornton Viaduct.
This screening will take place in a field below Thornton Viaduct. Please note that the site is not considered accessible for people with mobility needs and requires a 10-20 minute walk across various surfaces to get to the film screening area. This page includes an explanation of how you get to the venue and images of the different surfaces you will have to walk across to reach the site.
Got a question not answered on this page? Drop us an email at [email protected] and we’ll gladly help!
Getting to Thornton Viaduct
Use our sustainable travel planner below to plan your visit to Thornton Viaduct for this screening.
The event will happen in a field below Thornton Viaduct.
See more information below about parking and the walking route to the site.
Can I access the site via Alderscholes Lane?
No access will be permitted from Alderscholes Lane. We request you respect local residents and park only in the car park as outlined below.
If you are driving, there is parking in the Headley Golf Club car park.
Is there parking onsite?
Free parking will be available at Headley Golf Club, Headley Lane, BD13 3LX.
There is an atmospheric walking route through the golf course to the screening site below the viaduct. The route is sloped and over uneven ground but it will be lit to guide your way. Benches will be positioned along the route.
The site is then accessed via steps created by the Production team, using stage deck and a handrail with steps dropping 1m down to the field.
We estimate it will take around 10 minutes to walk onto the site, and around 20 minutes to walk off the site (due to the incline).
How do I access the site by foot from Thornton?
From Thorton Road, walk behind Thornton Primary School onto Thornton Viaduct until The Junction Lodge cafe. Use the steps over the low stone wall and onto Headley Golf course.
Finding the event
How do I access the site by foot?
From Thornton Road, walk behind Thornton Primary School and onto the Thornton Viaduct. Continue along the viaduct until you reach The Junction Lodge Café. From there, use the steps over the low stone wall to enter Headley Golf Course. Turn right and follow the path down to the ticket office located below the viaduct.
Follow the festoon lighting (a string of lights guiding the way) and signposts, and look out for staff members and volunteers along the route who are there to help guide you. This walk includes a variety of surfaces, including grass, gravel, and dirt tracks, as well as stairs and a steep descent to the film screening area, followed by a steep walk back up (please see images below). The site is then accessed via steps made of stage deck and a handrail with a drop of 1m down to the field.
Accessibility
As the site is a field on an incline with uneven grassed surfaces and accessible via a walking route and steps, the site is not deemed accessible to people with mobility needs.
If you have a question about site access, please email us on [email protected].
Introductory notes
Listen to the audio-described introduction to The Grand Budapest Hotel, which includes an overview of the setting and introductions to the main characters in the film.
Will the screening have subtitles?
No, subtitles will not be shown at this screening.
Will there be toilet facilities?
Yes, Portaloos will be provided.
Can I bring a dog or pet with me?
Only registered guide dogs will be allowed onsite.
Audio Description
Before you visit, you can also listen to the audio-described introduction to The Grand Budapest Hotel, which includes an overview of the setting and introductions to the main characters in the film. Listen here.
About our Open-Air Cinema screenings
Event timings
7pm: doors open
7pm – 8.30pm: pre-screening activities – enter and meet a range of characters inspired by the film, experience photo opportunities onsite and listen to performances from the brilliant nu marching band KiLNE.
8.30pm: film starts
10:45pm: site closes
Please allow at least twenty minutes before and after the film to walk to and from the screening site, as there is a walk down to the viaduct.
Is there a minimum age for my event?
Each film has a different age restriction as set by the BBFC (British Board of film Classification). It is against the law for us to permit anyone under the certified age for a film into the event.
The age restriction is stated on the ticket booking pages for each event and includes babes in arms.
We may ask for photographic ID if you or anyone in your group looks under the certified age for your chosen film. We reserve the right to refuse entry if you are unable to present valid proof of identity.
The certified age for our events may differ from the copies of films you own at home, please always check before booking.
All guests aged under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged 18+.
Will there be seating?
No – seating is not included in this ticket and due to the slope of the viewing area, we recommend bringing a picnic blanket, rug and / or cushions to this event.
Camping chairs are not recommended due to the steepness of the hill.
Please bear in mind depending on the weather the ground may be damp so travel rugs with waterproof backing are ideal.
How will I hear the film's audio?
Everyone will receive a set of headphones upon arrival and instructions for use.
Can I smoke at the venue?
No, this is a smoke free site. You can leave the site to smoke in the designated smoking area.
Food and drink
Will there be food vendors at the site?
Yes! We have a range of vendors that will be on-site for the event:
- Smart Coffee – serving fresh coffee, tea, deluxe hot chocolate and biscuits/bakes
- Delicious Popcorn – serving popcorn and cakes
- Premier Bar Events – selection of beers, lager, wine, spirits, soft drinks and an alcoholic winter warmer
- Dave’s Artisan Wood-fired Pizza Company – all your favourite toppings inc veggie and vegan, plus gluten free
Can I bring my own food?
Feel free to bring snacks, but no hot food.
Can I bring alcohol?
You will not be permitted to bring your own alcohol into site and any alcohol you bring will be confiscated. There will be a bar onsite selling a selection of alcohol and soft drinks.
Can I bring glass containers or bottles?
No glass items are allowed onsite.
Preparing for the weather
This an outdoor site with no shelter from the elements. The screening will take place come rain or shine unless weather conditions are extreme and/or the site becomes waterlogged. In this situation we will notify you as soon as reasonably practicable and we may need to refund or reschedule the event. We advise you to dress warmly, bring waterproof clothing and wear suitable footwear for walking through fields. We strongly recommend bringing picnic blankets with waterproof bases, as the ground may be wet.
Can I bring an umbrella?
Yes umbrellas will be permitted, but please be mindful of the sightlines of other audience members.
