A year ago, going to the cinema would be an activity most of us wouldn't think twice about.

Perhaps the biggest worry would be the internal debate about whether to pay £8 for a small portion of nachos. 

Or worrying about the prospect of having to confront anyone sitting "accidentally" in your seats.

But eight months into 2020, it is fair to say a global pandemic has changed everything.

We are now a more health-conscious nation, with hand sanitiser at the forefront of our minds. Circumstances have made us all feel more cautious about our activities.

Basingstoke Gazette: The Out Out Drive In cinema in Newbury The Out Out Drive In cinema in Newbury

Basingstoke Gazette: Somewhere to sit: Two deck chairs to enjoy the film fromSomewhere to sit: Two deck chairs to enjoy the film from

So it is unsurprising a number of pop-up cinemas have cropped up, offering film lovers the chance to enjoy movies in a different and socially-sensitive way. 

I have just tested out one of them - The Out Out Drive In cinema at Newbury Show Ground.

This pop-up, running until September 1, is operating inside a gigantic barn. 

When we arrived, we got a warm welcome from staff who marshalled us into our designated bay before someone was on-hand to take our drinks order. 

We decided to get two deckchairs to sit on and set up camp next to our car. 

The bays are spacious enough to feel cocooned in your own space while still enjoying the cinema atmosphere.

Unlike outdoor drive-ins, there is a roof. This has turned out to be a major plus in recent days with the stormy weather. 

At the front, there is a huge screen and sound system which wouldn’t be out on place on a stage at a festival.

Basingstoke Gazette: Obligatory cinema snacks. The drive in offers a range of goodiesObligatory cinema snacks. The drive in offers a range of goodies

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The result is an impressively sound quality - enough to drown out the nearby A34.

On the menu is a mixture of sweets, popcorn, hotdogs and nachos with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on offer.

My husband had a pulled pork hot dog which he said was way better than a "posh hotdog" he'd eaten recently at a 5* hotel (we won't name names). 

A nice touch is those attending are welcome to bring their own food. This makes a change from chain cinemas which prohibit you bringing your own goodies.  

Speaking to the organiser Jay, he said they had a summer festival planned which had to be cancelled due to the pandemic.

With business “decimated”, he’s been looking at ways to put on events where people can still feel safe and enjoy themselves.

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Until September 1, his company have organised a number of screenings both during the day and at night time including Pulp Fiction, Frozen, Toy Story 4 and Dirty Dancing. 

Tomorrow night, they will be screening the Channing Tatum classic Magic Mike - complete with butlers in the buff and an after party.

“It’s about trying to do something different,” Jay said.

Jay is planning more events for October - a soul-inspired night to mark Black history month and a Halloween event for children.

Tonight, we were there to watch the Elton John biopic Rocket Man. I was struck by how nice it felt to be watching a film somewhere outside of my home where - like many - I've spent an awful lot of time this year. 

Losing yourself in a movie at home is much harder. The temptation to respond to an email or text is always present. 

So it was great to be back in a cinema - and a much more unique and creative setting than the standard movie theatre. It was a great way to switch off. 

To find out what is on, visit:https://www.outoutdrivein.com/