Given the sweltering temperatures next week, a movie theater chain is providing free tickets to everyone with ginger hair.
In response to the Met Office’s red weather warning and as the nation prepares for the hottest day ever, Showcase Cinema is providing redheads with a free movie and spot to enjoy air conditioning on Monday and Tuesday.
Large portions of the UK are under the highly unusual red heat warning, which implies that there is an 80% possibility that temperatures will break the current record of 101.7F set in Cambridge in 2019.
There is a 50% possibility that temperatures will surpass 40°C somewhere in the UK, most likely along the A1 corridor, according to Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge.
A “national emergency” has been declared by the UK Health Security Agency, raising its heat health warning from level three to level four.
When a heatwave is sufficiently intense and/or persistent that its impacts are felt outside of the realm of health and social care, level four is attained. At this point, illness and death can affect healthy individuals as well as high-risk groups, it stated.
According to studies, those with ginger hair may have a “aversion” to the summertime heat.
It is thought that individuals with naturally ginger hair have a mutation in the melanocortin receptor 1 gene (MCR1). It is believed that the mutation prevents skin from tanning when exposed to UV radiation and increases the likelihood of burning.
As a result, the movie theater company has chosen to assist redheads.
While the UK is experiencing some much-needed sunny weather, Mark Barlow, UK General Manager for Showcase Cinemas, said: “We realize how uncomfortable some people find the heat.
Red heads will be able to watch some of the wonderful films on offer in the comfort of our air-conditioned cinema screens and ensuring they keep covered from the sun because, in order to combat the heatwave, we’re allowing red heads free access to our cinema screens this Monday and Tuesday.
Redheads must visit their neighborhood Showcase theater on Monday, July 18, and Tuesday, July 19, in order to receive one free ticket per ginger-haired person.
According to the full terms and conditions, the tickets will only apply to screenings starting on Monday July 18 and Tuesday July 19 and are limited to one ticket per transaction per day for guests with red hair.
Gallery seating tickets are not included and additional charges will apply for premium seating or formats including XLR, XPlus, 3D and Director’s Hall.
The tickets will not be available in conjunction with other offers or promotions.
Across the country, millions are preparing for the what may potentially be the hottest day on record, with drivers urged to avoid driving on Monday and Tuesday, and Downing Street considering speed restrictions on rail lines as part of contingency planning.
A No 10 spokesman previously said discussions with sectors including the NHS will ‘continue to work closely with all of those sectors over today, through the weekend and into early next week’.
‘It may be the case that speed restrictions are likely to be put in place on some parts of the network next week to manage the hot weather and to avoid any potential damage,’ they said.
The RAC said they are expecting a major surge in breakdowns as cars overheat in the extreme weather conditions with the organisation strongly urging motorists in England and Wales ‘to think carefully before they drive, and do everything they can to avoid a breakdown’.
Drivers are advised if they must use their cars they should ensure that all fluids are at their correct levels and carry an emergency kit in case of breakdown.