Put together your own outdoor cinema experience with Sky MoviesFed up with paying through the nose for a night out at the flicks, but think an open-air movie theatre is beyond your budget? 
 
Then welcome to the world of Garden Cinema.  A new outdoor living concept, it originated in the U.S. and is becoming an increasingly popular pastime here in the UK, allowing you to transform your back garden into that outdoor cinema you always dreamed of.

Putting together your own Garden Cinema can be as simple as dragging your TV set into the garden, but with home entertainment equipment ever more reasonably priced, it can pay to think big.

And with High-Definition providing a near-as-dammit big screen experience, this is a great form of entertainment to accompany any summer BBQ.  Think of it as the drive-in movie experience we never had in this country, but a greener version as the only smoke will be coming off the grill.

So, with good food on the barbie, and a great movie to share with your best friends, no wonder staying-in is fast becoming the new going-out. 

Sky Movies has teamed up with horticulturist / celebrity gardener Chris Collins and What Hi-Fi Ultimate Guide Editor Andy Kerr to help you create your own Garden Cinema.  Check out Chris and Andy’s tips and video below.

TOP TIPS:

· Do not move your Sky HD box.  It has been professionally installed and so it is advisable to buy an HDMI extension cable.  Cables can be purchased in many different lengths depending on the size of your garden and are available from all good electronics stores.  Simply plug into the back of your Sky box and connect to either your television or projector.

· When lifting a TV, make sure any cables are coiled and can be held in one hand so you avoid the risk of tripping over any loose wires.  Also, keep the TV close to your chest when carrying it to avoid back injury.

· Creating a screen for your projector is very simple – hang an old bed sheet or curtain between two trees or a washing line.  Be as inventive as you like.

· Outdoor wireless speakers can provide a big sound, don’t require any cables and last up to 6 hours

· Plants can easily be incorporated into your garden cinema:

· A herb bowl not only looks great in the garden, but can provide the perfect accompaniment to a barbeque.  Add some fresh mint to those Mojitos! 

· Flexible plants which can be used both indoors and outdoors are a great money saving tip, as you get the use of the same plants whatever the weather.
 
· Speaking of the weather – do remember that while it is summer, it is the great British summer, so check the five day forecast on www.skynews.com.

Now all you need is a good film, courtesy of Sky Movies, and good company, courtesy of your friends and family.  Enjoy!