Get ready for our exclusive screenings of Wish

This December, you and your unit are invited to join Asha in wishing upon a star at an ODEON cinema near you.

26 October 2023

This is our 7th screening with ODEON, but we know that for many of you, this might be the first time you take your unit to a screening. 

Before tickets for the screenings go on sale, we wanted to share a step-by-step guide of everything you need to do to get ready, so that you have lots of time to prepare.

1. Save the date in your diary!

This year’s screenings will take place at ODEON cinemas across the UK on 9-10 December. Tickets are going on sale on Wednesday 1 November at 12pm.  

Check with your volunteer team to see who’s available to go. Remember that the adult to child ratios that apply in your usual meeting place become mandatory when you’re doing activities away from your usual meeting place.

2. Check your numbers

Get an idea of how many girls would like to attend by getting in touch with parents and carers to share the date and ask for their permission. You’ll be able to see the movie’s run-time on ODEON’s website closer to the time.

3. Sort out risk assessments, consent forms and a home contact system

Risk assessments are important for all events to make sure Girlguiding members are safe. You can read all the risk assessment guidance here. When completing your events and activities risk assessment please ensure the following questions have been considered: 

  1. Do attendees and/or parents and carers understand that, if unable to attend, you won't be able to refund the cost of the ticket? 
  2. Have you planned how you'll maintain your adult to young members ratio if someone isn't able to attend last minute?
  3. Have you organised a suitable drop off/pick up point that will allow your group to remain separate from other units? 

Your events and activities risk assessment doesn't need to be signed off by your local commissioner, but you need to make them aware that you're attending the event. 

Remember to factor in other safety considerations to your risk assessment too! You'll need to consider things like how girls are getting to the cinema, and any food allergies or intolerances. Remember that we have lots of guidance to help you complete risk assessments on our website, and you can contact your local commissioner if you need help. 

You’ll also need to fill out consent forms for each young member going and make sure everyone’s contact details are up to date! The film is rated PG. 

Lastly, don’t forget to set up a home contact system to support in case of an emergency.

4. Book the tickets!

Screenings will be held across the country, which means there will be plenty of seats available; we'll work with ODEON to book more screens if they fill up.  

You'll be able to book up to 35 tickets per transaction once they're livethrough our event page, which is also filled with all the information you need to book them. ODEON’s customer service team will be on hand to help you book the seats you need.  

If your location has sold out, please feel free to email ODEON ([email protected]) or our partnerships team ([email protected]). 

You’ll also be able to book wheelchair-accessible seats and see which cinemas will be showing autism-friendly screenings. We’ve arranged accessible screens at every location, with dimmed lighting and subtitles and ODEON are happy to help with any other needs on request. Please let our partnerships team know via [email protected]as soon as possible so we can arrange this for you.  

ODEON will have plenty of snacks available for you to buy. You can also get a discounted kids deal, which includes a can of water, kids' popcorn and sweets for £3.50. This will only be available on the day, so you don’t need to book in advance. 

5. One last check!

It’s a good idea to stick a reminder in your diary two weeks before the event to do one last check to make sure that you have everything you need. Check parent permissions and consent forms, whether your risk assessment is up to date and that your volunteer team all know the plan. 

We’ll be updating our event page regularly with guidance and answers to frequently asked questions. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, get in touch with our partnerships team by emailing [email protected], and they’ll be able to help you. 

Once you’ve got the practical stuff sorted, all that’s left to do is to get ready for a magical day of fun! We can’t wait to see you there – share your photos with us on social media! You can find us @girlguiding.