Cinema on the Square – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We've put together a helpful list of questions and answers about our open-air cinema day, Cinema on the Square, especially for anyone who may not have attended an outdoor screening before or other events at Millennium Square. If you still need to get in touch to ask us something that isn't on here, please email leeds.film@leeds.gov.uk.
Accessibility
As venue owners Leeds City Council aims to provide an accessible and inclusive facility for all events taking place on Millennium Square.
Millennium Square is a city centre outdoor public space built as a hard-standing paved area which follows the natural topography of the surrounding ground levels and slopes down from North to South. The venue is easily accessible from all sides with level / sloped access.
Tickets and Box Office
How much are tickets and where can I buy them?
Event tickets for film screenings on Millennium Square will be available to purchase online (see our What's On page) or by telephone on 0113 376 0318. Leeds Ticket Hub is open two hours before any show at the Carriageworks Theatre for in person bookings and will be open on the day of screenings. Tickets can be purchased online 24/7, the phone line is open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm.
Can I purchase a ticket on the day?
It’s advisable to purchase all tickets in advance to avoid any disappointment. Any on the day sales will be strictly subject to availability.
Are the films suitable for people of all ages and do children need a ticket?
All persons attending the screenings will need a ticket. Each of the films have a BBFC age rating that can be seen on their film pages. Most films are PG or 12A. All persons under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult (18 years and over), unless otherwise stated. The screenings of Run Lola Run, The Blues Brothers, Touching the Void and Desperately Seeking Susan and therefore only people aged 15 and above can attend, even if with an adult.
Is there a concessionary ticket for disabled people?
Flow, Encanto Sing-Along, The Wild Robot and Miffy's Adventures Big and Small have a flat pricing structure. The other films in the programme have a concessionary ticket that applies to people over 60, students, the unwaged and people with a disability. You do not need to provide proof of disability. If you do require an essential companion ticket please contact Leeds Ticket Hub on 0113 376 0318.
Are there any ticketing conditions and will I be able to get a refund?
Tickets are non-refundable and any persons wishing to attend the screenings are advised to read and understand the ticketing conditions. The organisers reserve the right to refuse admission or eject any persons for anti-social or threatening behaviour, actions likely to cause damage or injury, or failure to comply with the reasonable request of the organisers. Entry will also be refused to those that appear to be intoxicated.
Venue and Facilities
What and where is Millennium Square?
Millennium Square is an outdoor public space and bespoke live entertainment venue located within the civic quarter of the city centre. The venue is surrounded by some of the city’s most significant and iconic buildings including; Leeds Civic Hall, Leeds Town Hall, Leeds City Museum, Leeds General Infirmary and the Carriageworks Theatre / Electric Press complex.
How do I access the concert arena?
The main entrance / exit gates to the concert arena are located on Cookridge Street (Gate C) adjacent to Leeds City Museum and on Portland Crescent (Gate A).
If I need to leave the concert arena can I get back in?
There will be no pass-outs permitted once you are inside the concert arena however if you need to leave the arena then please contact the stewarding gate supervisor for further help and assistance.
Is seating provided and can I bring a chair and other furniture to the concert?
Yes, chairs will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own chairs, or picnic blankets to use during the screening, provided you set them up in the dedicated seating areas.
What other items can / can’t I bring?
Items that are not allowed inside the arena include (but are not restricted to); alcohol, glass, tents, gazebos, laser pens, air horns, fireworks, flares, smoke canisters, barbeques, paper lanterns or any lighting with a naked flame. As an outdoor venue please bear in mind weather conditions can change quickly, so all audiences should dress appropriately. Umbrellas may obstruct the view of other audience members so waterproof clothing or disposable ponchos should therefore be considered. No illegal substances and/or any items deemed to be a potential weapon or threat to public safety are permitted. Any persons found in possession will be ejected and reported to the police. Please note event stewards will be entitled to search all persons and/or their possessions on entry. Staff will not take any responsibility for any prohibited items.
Are animals permitted within the concert arena?
Outside of our dog-friendly screening of BEST IN SHOW, only Registered Assistance Dogs will be permitted into the concert arena. For further information see ‘Accessibility’ and 'Dog Friendly Screenings' section above.
Are there plenty of toilet facilities?
Yes, the venue has permanent and additional temporary toilets. Please make sure you familiarise yourself with the toilet location and layout of all venue facilities upon entry.
Is there an ATM/cash machine at the event?
No, sorry there are no onsite cash facilities available.
Can I smoke at the event?
As an outdoor venue, smoking is permitted but please be considerate towards other audience members. At fully seated concerts (as advertised) smoking (including the use of e-cigarettes), is only permitted in designated smoking areas.
Can I bring food and drink to the event?
Food and soft drinks will be allowed. Strictly no alcohol and glass will be allowed on site. All soft drinks have their seals in tact. There will be free drinking water on site. There will be a fully licenced bar which can serve alcohol and soft drinks. Please note this bar is cashless (card only). Food trucks will be onsite if you wish to purchase food at the event. These are subject to change and will be updated closer to the event dates if anything changes.
Dog-Friendly Screening (Best in Show: Bring Your Own Dog)
This year we have a dog-friendly screening, Best in Show. The following information is about that specific screening and does not apply to other films in the Cinema on the Square programme. Outside of this dog-friendly screening, only registered service animals will be permitted on Millennium Square.
Can I bring my dog to this event?
Yes! This screening is officially dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome to attend as long as they meet our health & safety guidelines (see below).
Can I bring multiple dogs?
Each adult may bring one dog only. If you’d like to bring more than one dog, an additional adult must accompany you to the event.
Do I have to bring my dog to this event?
No, everyone is welcome, whether you have a dog or not. There will also be a designated quiet space that you can book if you are nervous around dogs.
I don’t have a dog, can I interact with dogs at the event? (Traffic Light System)
Absolutely! But please remember to always ask before approaching a dog. Each dog will also be wearing a red, amber or green badge, which will indicate how comfortable they are interacting with strangers. These mean:
Red: I’m nervous, please don’t approach me
Amber: I might want pets, but please check with my owner first
Green: I love pets! (but please still check with my owner first)
How do I vote in the competition?
When you arrive at the event, you’ll have the option to either take a paper form or complete a form by scanning a QR code. Dogs that are entered into the competition will have a number displayed either on them or on their owner. Simply wander around and choose which number dog you’d like to choose for each category!
How do I enter my dog into the competition?
Audience members who have booked a free dog ticket will receive an email with a form to sign up for the competition. On the day, head to our registration desk where our team will give you your number and traffic light badge. Winners in each category will be announced on the day after the film and receive prizes!
Are there any rules for dogs at the event?
Yes – all dogs must:
- Be over 6 months old
- Stay on a fixed-length lead at all times
- Be comfortable in busy environments (with other dogs, people, and noise)
- Not be in heat or recovering from illness/injury
- Wear a collar with an ID tag (as required by law)
- Be under the owner's control at all times
What if my dog gets overwhelmed or nervous?
We will have quiet zones on-site, and volunteers are trained to help direct you. If your dog needs a break, you're welcome to step out and return.
Will there be water for dogs?
Yes, we will have multiple water stations. However, we recommend bringing your own bowl and water just in case.
What happens if a dog becomes aggressive or distressed?
We take welfare seriously. If a dog shows signs of aggression, distress, or overheating, owners may be asked to remove their dog from the event.
Are dogs allowed off-lead?
No – dogs must remain on a lead at all times for safety and comfort of all attendees.
What happens in hot weather?
If temperatures exceed 26°C, the event may be cancelled to protect dogs’ health. We'll notify you by email if this happens.
What about dog waste?
Owners must pick up after their dogs and use the clearly marked dog waste bins on-site.
Travel and Transport
How can I travel to and from the venue?
By bus: A number of bus routes pass through the city centre and stop in close proximity to Millennium Square on The Headrow and Woodhouse Lane. For all bus service timetable and further information please contact West Yorkshire Metro on 0113 245 7676 or visit wymetro.com
By Rail: Leeds City train station is only a 10 minute walk away from Millennium Square via City Square leading into Park Row and Cookridge Street. For train services and timetable information visit nationalrail.co.uk
By Car: A variety of street and secure parking options are available around the Civic Quarter. For further information on city centre parking visit leeds.gov.uk or call parking services on 0113 395 0050.
Is there a pick up/drop off point or a taxi rank?
There are designated taxi ranks located nearby. In order to avoid congestion and access issues on the day, all persons attending are requested not to arrange pick up/drop off directly outside the main gates.