CINEMA FAQs

Worried about disturbing the neighbours?

Consider one of our Silent Cinema packages.

Each guest receives a pair of high-quality wireless headphones, allowing everyone to enjoy the film without external speakers. The headphones are the same professional equipment used with our Silent Disco packages.

Please remember that although Silent Cinema removes amplified speaker noise, guests talking, laughing and singing can still be heard.

Worried about the weather?

If the weather is unsuitable for an outdoor screening, we may be able to relocate your cinema setup indoors, provided there is sufficient suitable space.

Please contact us as early as possible if poor weather is forecast so we can discuss the available options.

All projectors, screens, speakers and electrical equipment must be kept completely dry.

When can an outdoor cinema start?

Outdoor cinema works best after sunset or when ambient light levels are very low.

The darker it is, the brighter and clearer the projected image will appear.

Do I need a licence to show a film?

It depends on where and how the film is being shown.

A private screening in your own home for family and invited guests is different from a screening at a school, community venue, business, club or public event.

Public film screenings generally require permission from the relevant copyright holder or authorised licensing organisation, even where admission is free.

Family Parties supplies cinema equipment only. The event organiser and/or venue is responsible for checking and obtaining any licences, permissions or consents required for their event.

For more detailed information, please see our Cinema Copyright & Licensing page.

Can I use Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video or another streaming service?

For a private domestic screening, customers may use their own compatible streaming device and account, subject to the terms of their chosen service.

For screenings outside a private domestic setting, please check the streaming provider’s terms carefully. A personal streaming subscription does not automatically give permission to show content publicly, even if a separate film-screening licence has been obtained.

Family Parties does not provide streaming accounts or film content.

For more information, please see our Cinema Copyright & Licensing page.

Do I need a music licence?

If copyright music is being played publicly before, after or separately from the film, additional music licensing may be required depending on the event and venue.

Responsibility for checking and obtaining any required music licence rests with the event organiser and/or venue.

Further information is available from PPL PRS / TheMusicLicence and on our Cinema Copyright & Licensing page.

Do I need a Temporary Event Notice (TEN)?

Possibly.

Whether a Temporary Event Notice, premises licence or other authorisation is required depends on the event, venue and activities taking place.

Film exhibitions and recorded music can fall within regulated entertainment, although exemptions apply in some circumstances.

The event organiser and/or venue is responsible for checking whether any permission is required.

For more detailed information, please see our Cinema Copyright & Licensing page or contact the relevant local authority for your event location.

Do I need a TV Licence?

A TV Licence is generally required if you watch or record live television on any channel or service, or use BBC iPlayer.

A TV Licence is not normally required simply to watch on-demand services such as Netflix or Disney+, but this does not automatically give permission to show copyrighted content publicly.

Please see our Cinema Copyright & Licensing page for further information.

Can I play music before or after the film?

Yes.

Our standard cinema packages include a PA system, allowing a compatible phone, tablet, laptop or other audio source to be connected using the supplied equipment.

Our Silent Cinema packages use wireless headphones, allowing compatible audio sources to be played through the headphones.

Please remember that any required music licensing remains the responsibility of the event organiser and/or venue.

Can I use a games console instead of watching a film?

Yes.

Compatible games consoles can be connected to our cinema equipment, making the setup ideal for gaming parties and big-screen multiplayer sessions.

Please check compatibility with us before your booking if you are unsure about your console or connections.

Do I need to set up or pack away the equipment?

No.

We take care of the delivery, setup and collection of our cinema equipment. We’ll arrive before your booking to set everything up and return afterwards to dismantle and collect it.

What happens with outdoor cinema booking times?

Our normal booking times do not apply to outdoor cinema hire.

Because outdoor screenings generally need low light or darkness, collection times are arranged individually so you have enough time to enjoy your film before we return to dismantle and collect the equipment.

Do I need Wi-Fi?

Only if the way you are playing your content requires an internet connection.

If you are using a streaming service, please ensure reliable Wi-Fi or mobile data is available at the screening location. Where your chosen service allows it, downloading content in advance can help avoid problems caused by an unreliable internet connection.

Looking to book a cinema? View our Cinema Hire packages.