Gardens Cinema: Akira

Garden's Cinema is back this summer for four evenings of outdoor screenings at Botanical Gardens, presented in partnership with Mockingbird Cinema.

Bathe in neon-drenched dystopia with Akira, a groundbreaking anime masterpiece in which teenage unrest collides with psychic power and political paranoia.

Set in the explosive sprawl of Neo-Tokyo, this visually stunning cult classic follows biker gangs, secret government projects, and a friendship pushed to the brink. With its iconic red motorcycle, pulsing synth score, and apocalyptic energy, Akira redefined animation and cyberpunk cinema for generations.

Come dressed in your boldest streetwear (capsules and capes encouraged) and experience one of the most influential sci-fi films ever made under the open night sky.

What to expect on the night

Food

A hand-picked selection of local street food traders will be serving from 7pm each evening, with options rotating across the four-night series. Expect:

• Pizza from Smoke + Ash
• Dirty Fries from Manny’s Eats
• Sweet treats, grab and go salads, sandwiches, and hot drinks from Medicine Bakery

Drinks

The Gardens Bar will be open throughout the night, serving:

• Craft beers and cider
• G&Ts, wine and summer cocktails
• Soft drinks and mocktails

Garden Shop & Film Merch

The Gardens pop-up shop will be stocked with gifts, garden-ware and locally made items. Don't forget to check out Mockingbird’s cinema-themed merch stall, featuring t-shirts, pin badges, and other cult film keepsakes.

Pre-film entertainment

Join us before the film for themed activities.

FAQs

Please read through our FAQs on the Birmingham Botanical Gardens website.