Westbury’s new cinema is here to stay – with a series of films and special events planned for the summer.
The community cinema, located in The Laverton, officially opened in January with a screening of the 2024 action movie Twisters.
Since then, films like Top Gun 2, Paddington in Peru and Moana 2 have proven popular with Westbury film fans.
Patrick McGowan, Westbury Town Council’s buildings and facilities manager, said, “Audiences have exceeded our expectations and numbers are ranging between 35-76 per movie with drama and action films proving the most popular genre so far.
“We have a programme of movies going forward throughout the spring and summer with Gladiator 2, Bad Boys Ride or Die and Bridget Jones: Mad about The Boy.
“We are excited to be partnering with Westbury Festival to have a famous author here giving a talk on her book, followed by a screening of her film. Watch our social media for details during July!”
Westbury’s previous cinema, the Vista Cinema, opened in November 1920 in a building on Warminster Road which was demolished in 1994.
Patrick says cinema-goers have relished the chance to see a film on the big screen locally rather than drive and pay to park in another town.
Moving forward, as well as films for older audiences, the community cinema will continue to screen movies for younger viewers.
Patrick added, “Our £15 family ticket option is proving very popular particularly with our half term screenings of children’s films in the afternoon.
“Since the community cinema launched, my favourite comment has to be from a four-year-old girl who told us she had already seen Moana 2, but really wanted to see it at our cinema with her best friend. So cute!”
The next film at the Westbury Community Cinema will be Gladiator 2 on Friday, 25th April at 7pm. It will be followed by Bad Boys: Ride or Die on Friday 30th May at 7pm. Tickets will be available on the door or at www.ticketsource.co.uk/westburycommunitycinema
Picture: Maggie Morton with her grandchildren Jessica, Jack and Abigail at a recent community cinema screening
