FAQs

Can I choose my own seats when booking?

Yes, when booking you will be shown a seating plan which will display the available seats for you to choose from. Please note that row AA is closest to the screen. 

Can I view a seating plan?

Yes, you can download our seating plan here.  Please note that row AA is closest to the screen. 

What are Saffron Screen’s opening hours?

Saffron Screen operates from Friday night through to Monday night with matinee performances on most Saturdays and Sundays. We also try to screen on weeknights and weekdays during the school holidays. Click here for details of upcoming screenings.

Is there parking on site?

Yes, there is ample, free parking on site but, if you live in Saffron Walden, we do encourage you to come by bike or on foot.

Please note: parking can get busy at times, especially if Saffron Hall are also holding an event so we do advise to arrive with plenty of time ahead of your screening.

When do the cinema doors open?

Doors open 30 minutes before the advertised showing times, unless the website shows a different time for a specific event. This is for a number of reasons:

What if I arrive early?

Don’t worry if you arrive early. There are benches you can wait on outside, and in inclement weather you can wait in the school lobby area until the doors open.

Where can I get information on new films or events?

There are lots of ways to find out what’s on at Saffron Screen:

• Visit our “What’s On” website pages
• Pick up a programme from the cinema, TiC or numerous businesses in Saffron Walden
• Join one or more of our mailing lists – email us at [email protected] and include details of any specific film interests.
• Like and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @saffronscreen for updates, listings, trailers and special content

Can I bring a baby to the cinema?

Under 2s are free if they sit on a carer’s lap but will be charged for if they occupy a seat.

Children ages 3 and over will be charged the child’s rate whether they occupy a seat or not.

We are happy to admit under 2s into a morning or afternoon performances with a U or PG certification, however, please spare a thought for our other guests – if your baby grows unsettled, please step outside for a moment until they’ve calmed down.

Do you have a bar?

Yes, a selection of wines and beers are available to purchase at screenings after 6pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and at selected other screenings. We also have a range of soft drinks, hot drinks and snacks that are available at every screening.

Do you sell Gift Vouchers?

Gift Vouchers for Saffron Screen are available to purchase via the Tourist Information Centre in Saffron Walden. They can be bought in person, or over the phone: 01799 524002 (Monday – Saturday, 9:30 – 5pm). A small admin fee of 60p per transaction will be applied.

It’s my child’s birthday, can I have a slide on screen with their name?

Yes. Please give us at least a week’s notice. Email your request to [email protected]

Can I hire the cinema privately?

Yes! If you would like to enquire about private hire of the cinema – for a screening of a released film or of your own material, email [email protected]

How can I send in feedback?

As an organisation we are committed to meeting the needs of the community we serve, and we continually review all of our policies and procedures. If you have a view, or wish to give feedback, we would be pleased to hear from you. You can fill in a feedback form at the cinema itself, or email us at [email protected]

Positive test result/ symptoms: Whilst there is no longer a legal need to isolate following a positive Covid test result, we kindly ask that anyone experiencing symptoms or that has received a positive test result to refrain from visiting the cinema. Refunds are available for those who cannot make a pre-booked screening due to having Covid.

Masks: Face masks are no longer mandatory inside the school buildings or auditorium but some people are choosing to still wear them.

Other safety measures: Sanitiser stations will still be freely available around the venue.

If you have any further questions, please email [email protected]

Is the Box Office open yet?

We have now begun selling tickets from our Box Office ahead of each screening. Tickets can be purchased for immediate and advanced screenings – we kindly ask you to arrive early in order to purchase tickets in this way in order for us to allocate seats and avoid creating queues and bottlenecks in the auditorium.

With huge thanks to the lovely people at the Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre, you can now also book tickets by calling the Tourist Information Centre on 01799 524002 (Monday – Saturday, 9:30 – 5pm). Unfortunately, tickets cannot be posted out – they will need to be collected from the TIC or you can give your name at the queue when you arrive for your performance. please note, the TiC are taking contactless payments only.

Do I have to wear a face mask?

It is no longer mandatory for customers to wear face masks to the cinema although many people are still choosing to do so.

What if I display symptoms before my visit?

If, in the run up to your booked screening, you or anyone in your household develop any of the symptoms of COVID-19 (high temperature, new or continuous cough or a loss of or change to sense of taste and/or smell), we ask that you do NOT come to the cinema, but instead contact us at [email protected] to organise a refund for your tickets.

If possible, please let us know within 6 hours of the scheduled film start time.

Is Saffron Screen supporting NHS Test & Trace?

The NHS Test and Trace scheme is no longer active and so our posters and QR codes have been removed as requested.

What if I display symptoms after my visit?

If your or someone in your booking group develops COVID-19 symptoms after a trip to the cinema, please follow the government guidelines on self-isolating and testing.

Is social distancing still being implemented at the cinema?

When in and around the cinema (visiting the toilets for example) we suggest that you keep 2m away from other customers who are not in your booking group. Please ask a member of staff if you are unclear about anything.

What will be happening with air flow in the auditorium?

The auditorium at Saffron Screen uses an air flow system (as opposed to Air Conditioning) which draws fresh air in from outside through vents, circulates it, and releases it out through further vents in the ceiling. Usually the “strength” of this air flow varies depending on the audience numbers in the auditorium, but for safety reasons, we’ll be turning it to the highest setting for every screening in order to maximise air flow through the auditorium. For this reason, it can sometimes feel chilly in certain areas of the cinema, so we do advise you to bring extra layers if the weather is bad.

What if I feel unwell during a screening?

If you start to cough repeatedly during a screening, or develop a high temperature, we ask that you and your guests leave the auditorium immediately for the health, safety and comfort of all other customers and our staff/volunteers. If the symptoms are in-line with COVID-19 symptoms, you and your household are then advised to get tested as soon as possible and follow the current Government advice regarding self-isolation.

If you feel unwell in any other way, please leave your seat and alert a member of staff.