Cinema on the Square: ‘Bring Your Own Dog’ to Best in Show
This summer, dogs take centre stage in Leeds as Cinema on the Square returns to Millennium Square with a unique outdoor film screening and a chance for participating dogs to win the “Best In Show” award. Presented by Leeds International Film Festival (LIFF) as part of Summer Series on Millennium Square, the open-air cinema event runs from Thursday 31 July to Sunday 3 August and includes a special Bring Your Own Dog screening of Christopher Guest’s cult comedy classic Best in Show.
Film fans and dog lovers alike are invited to enjoy this one-of-a-kind film event at 11am on Sunday 3 August, where audiences can watch Guest’s hilarious satire of the dog show world (featuring unforgettable performances from Jennifer Coolidge, Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy). Before the screening, LIFF will host its very own “Best in Show” dog competition, with the chance for audience members to vote on their favourite dogs with prizes for the winning dogs.
The screening is supported by The RSPCA Leeds, Wakefield & District Branch CIO which exists to help injured, neglected and abused animals in the Leeds/Wakefield areas and who will be fundraising onsite during the event.
“It is fantastic that we have been asked to take part in this event with Leeds International Film Festival. We are really looking forward to meeting local dog owners, animal lovers, supporters and speak about their local rehabilitating and rehoming centre along with hosting a fun dog tombola stall too to raise funds for our Animal Centre in East Ardsley.” - Sally Hoyle, Head of Fundraising & Communications, The RSPCA Leeds
Dog tickets are free but limited, with one dog allowed per adult, and a designated seating area will be available for those who prefer to enjoy the film without canine company. All dogs must be over six months old, on a fixed lead, and comfortable in busy environments. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, each dog will wear a colour-coded badge indicating their comfort level with interaction, and water stations and quiet zones will be provided. Full guidance and competition entry details will be shared with ticket holders.
.jpg)
Now in its third year, Cinema on the Square 2025 will present 18 screenings on the giant Summer Series concert stage on Millennium Square. Other film highlights include: singalong screenings of Wicked and Encanto; a Yorkshire Day screening of Ken Loach’s iconic Kes on 1 August; Bollywood blockbuster Lage Raho Munna Bhai; all-time great concert films Stop Making Sense and Summer of Soul; and cult classics from the 80s and 90s like Desperately Seeking Susan and The Blues Brothers. Family favourites screening include sci-fi hit The Wild Robot, the Oscar-winning Flow, and Miffy’s Adventures Big and Small which is presented in celebration of the character’s 70th birthday.
"We’re thrilled to be back on the giant Summer Series concert stage on Millennium Square as we bring more large-scale film experiences to new audiences in Leeds. This year’s Cinema on the Square has an exciting and extended line-up of outdoor film screenings, with something for everyone - even for pets!” - Chris Fell, Director, Leeds International Film Festival
To find out more visit Cinema on the Square 2025.