Garden and party outdoor cinema hire
Bring a screen, projector and sound to gardens, parties and small events for a fixed hire fee.
- £1.5k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
780 UK companies in this field, 31% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 59140 “Motion picture projection activities”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A portable cinema you set up at other people's venues: an inflatable or frame screen, projector, speakers and seating extras like blankets or beanbags. You turn up, set up, run the film and pack down.
Your first three steps
- Price up a starter kit (screen, bright projector, speakers, media player) and test it at dusk in your own garden
- Check local hire prices and put together two or three simple packages with a clear price list
- Run a few discounted trial screenings for friends and neighbours and ask for photos and reviews
Who pays
Families holding birthday parties, couples planning a garden date night, schools, community groups, wedding hosts and small businesses.
How it makes money
A fixed package price per event, with add-ons such as popcorn, deckchairs or extra seating. Summer weekends tend to be busiest.
Skills that help
- Setting up and testing tech
- Friendly customer service
- Planning and time management
Watch out for
- Film screening licences: check whether your event counts as private or public and what licence a film distributor or licensing company requires
- Public liability insurance, and insurance cover for your kit
- Weather: agree a clear rain or wind policy and a backup date
- Noise and neighbours: check any local council noise guidance
- Safe cabling and set-up, especially near water or on uneven ground
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: garden and party outdoor cinema hire
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an outdoor cinema hire business?
Startup costs are estimates, typically around £1,500 to £5,000, depending on your screen, projector, sound and seating extras. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at £600 to £3,000, depending on bookings and hire fees.
Do I need a licence to show films at private hire events?
Check whether your event counts as private or public, and what licence a film distributor or licensing company requires. Also check public liability insurance, cover for your kit, and any local council noise guidance.
What happens if the weather is bad on a hire night?
Weather is a key risk, so agree a clear rain or wind policy and a backup date with customers. Also plan safe cabling and set-up, especially near water or on uneven ground.
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Photo: rebel1965 on Pixabay